What is a good CV format? A guide to structure, style, and strategy

Your CV is your first impression and format is the frame that shapes it.

Whether you’re applying for your first job or a senior leadership role, a strong CV format can make the difference between being seen or skipped.

So, what makes a CV format “good”? It’s not just about design, it’s about clarity, structure, and strategy.

This guide walks you through what a good CV format looks like and how to make yours stand out.

1. Choose the right CV format type

There are 3 main types of CV formats. Pick one based on your experience and goals:

✅ Reverse-chronological (most common)

• Lists your work experience from most recent to oldest
• Best for: professionals with consistent job history

✅ Functional (skills-based)

• Focuses on transferable skills instead of timeline
• Best for: career changers or those with gaps

✅ Hybrid (combination)

• Merges both: starts with skills, then detailed work history
• Best for: professionals with diverse experience

2. Use a clean, professional layout

A good CV is easy to scan in under 10 seconds.

• 🧾 Use clear headings (H2 or bold text): “Work Experience,” “Education,” “Skills,” etc.
• 🧱 Stick to one or two professional fonts (e.g., Calibri, Arial, Georgia)
• 📐 Use consistent spacing, alignment, and bullet formatting
• 🧭 Keep margins and line spacing readable (at least 1.0–1.15)

Less is more. Fancy designs can hurt readability, especially for ATS systems.

3. Include these essential CV sections

1. Header: Full name, phone, email, LinkedIn
2. Professional summary (2–4 lines): Who you are, what you bring, what you’re seeking
3. Work experience: Role, company, dates, and key achievements (use action verbs!)
4. Education: Degree, school, graduation year
5. Skills: Both technical (e.g., Excel, Python) and soft skills (e.g., communication)
6. Optional: Certifications, languages, volunteer work, portfolio links

4. Highlight achievements

Hiring managers care about impact. For each job, ask yourself:

• 📈 What changed because of my work?
• 💡 Did I save time, increase efficiency, boost revenue?

Example:

❌ Responsible for managing client relationships  
✅ Managed 20+ B2B accounts, increasing client retention by 18% in one year

5. Keep it concise — but tailored

• 🎯 Ideal length: 1 page (if under 10 years experience), 2 pages max
• 📌 Tailor your CV for each role — especially the summary and keywords
• 📝 Avoid repetition and filler words

6. Make it ATS-friendly

ATS = Applicant Tracking System. Many companies scan CVs before a human sees them.

• 📄 Use standard file formats (.docx or PDF)
• 🔍 Include relevant keywords from the job description
• 🚫 Avoid tables, columns, or unusual symbols

7. Optional but impactful: add a headline or title

A clear, short headline below your name can help position you immediately.

Jane Doe  
Digital Marketing Specialist | SEO & Paid Media | Growth-Driven Strategy

Final checklist before you submit

• ✅ Are all dates, titles, and contact info accurate?
• ✅ Are your most relevant experiences easy to spot?
• ✅ Have you proofread for typos and grammar?
• ✅ Is the file name professional? (e.g., Jane-Doe-CV.pdf)

Final thought: A good CV format supports a strong story

Your format isn’t just decoration — it’s how you guide the reader through your value. Clear structure = better focus = more impact.