A good CV is decisive for every application. With a well-built reverse-chronological CV you stand out from the pile and improve your chances of being invited in. So what makes a good reverse-chronological CV – and how do you structure it properly?
How long should a reverse-chronological CV be?
One reason recruiters like this format so much is how easy it is to scan. All the important facts about a candidate can be taken in at a glance. For entry-level and middle-management roles, and in traditional working environments, you should not go beyond two pages. For senior positions with a lot of experience behind them, up to three pages can make sense.
Formatting a reverse-chronological CV
A classic, restrained formatting works best here. Readability is the priority. These specifications are a solid starting point:
- font size 11 or 12
- a clean typeface such as Arial or Times New Roman
- 1.5 line spacing
- black text
You can pick out headings or sections in colour – ideally in the colours of the corporate design of the company you are applying to.
The structure of a reverse-chronological CV
The classic model gives a chronological overview: school and education first. Under the reverse-chronological structure that is standard today, the most recent material comes first – your current or last position at the top.
These sections belong in a convincing CV:
- heading and name
- personal details
- work history
- school and education
- particular skills and certifications
- relevant interests, where they apply
- the date, and a signature if local convention expects one
Whether a photo goes on your CV depends on the country. In the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada and Australia, leave it off – employers there generally prefer CVs without one. In much of continental Europe a professional photo is still common; if you use one, place it top right or on a cover page.
Personal details on a reverse-chronological CV
CVs used to ask for a great deal of personal information – down to the occupations of your parents. Today the essentials are usually enough:
- your name
- your location (city and country)
- your phone number
- a professional email address
Anything beyond that is optional, and in many countries employers are not allowed to ask for it. Decide deliberately which details could be relevant to the role and the employer.
What to say about your work history
Your work history is usually the most important part of the application. It is where you show what experience you bring to the advertised role. Tailor it deliberately for each application. Each entry should contain at least:
- the employer
- the dates of employment
- your position
- what the job actually involved
You can also name your achievements in a role – the better they fit the job you are applying for, the more relevant they are. If you are applying for a sales position, for example, you can state by what percentage you increased revenue.
Education and training
For education, the qualification itself is usually enough – the same goes for a degree. If you had to change university because you moved, there is generally no need to mention that two semesters were completed elsewhere. That only becomes relevant if a particular placement or specialism took place there. What should be visible at a glance:
- accelerated training or study
- time abroad and internships
- specialisms
- thesis or dissertation topics
Longer courses and qualifications (several months or years) belong in your work history. Short courses or weekend seminars can go under particular skills.
Do interests belong on a reverse-chronological CV?
The same rule applies here: only include things that could interest the employer in connection with the job advert. If you are applying for a leadership position, it may be worth knowing that you coordinate something city-wide on a voluntary basis. General interests such as travel or sport can be left out.
Create a reverse-chronological CV online
You do not need an agency for a convincing application: with ready-made CV templates and the online editor from MakeCVForFree you build your reverse-chronological CV step by step – and download it as a PDF. Our guide how to write a CV explains how to get the content and structure right.