Whether you’re a new career starter or you have years of experience under your belt, you’ve acquired a skill or two during your time. Your skills could be the strategic key to making you stand out in your job hunt.
But when is it strategic to lean into them with a skills based CV and when would that be doing you a disservice? Here at Resume.io, we have the resources you need to get ahead including a selection of CV examples and guides. This blog post will cover:
A skills based CV, also referred to as a functional CV, is a CV that focuses on the skills and education of an applicant rather than their previous experience. Think of the skills section as the focal point of a skills based CV, whereas a chronological CV format revolves around the previous experience.
The work experience section in a functional CV is more condensed and less detailed compared to other formats. It is used to provide a brief overview of your work history without emphasising specific job roles or timelines.
On the other hand a skills based CV will have a well-developed skills section where you list your relevant skills and competencies. There will also be a strong focus on qualifications which can be relevant to list both in the skills section and in the education section of the CV format.
Skills based CVs may revolve around skills and qualifications, but it’s important not to forget the other elements of a successful CV. Here are some of the sections you should make sure are present when you write a skills based CV:
A skills section with a difference
If you have a wide set of skills that you want to explain, you can lean away from a traditional skills section which relies on short keywords. Consider dividing your skills section into multiple categorised sections.
When used in the right way by the right candidate, a skills based CV can be a strategic way to grab the attention of the hiring manager. This CV format will work best for people whose professional value will stand out more by highlighting their skills rather than their previous experience. If you are applying for a first job, you’re a student, or you are transitioning careers then a skills based CV could be for you.
Many hiring managers are most used to reading chronological CV formats. We’ll cover what this means later. While this is the preferred format for most jobs, the truth is that if your previous experience is not matching the calibre of the other applicants, then you are doing yourself a disservice by using this format and you will be unlikely to be called back for an interview.
Another exception to applicants who should favour the reverse chronological format when possible are technical skilled workers. Some professions which require very specific technical skills will be better presented in a skills based CV as opposed to focusing on listing out previous experience.
Knowing when to avoid using a skills-based CV is just as important as understanding when it can work well for you. This format may not be suitable for everyone or every situation. Here are scenarios where you might want to reconsider opting for a skills-based CV:
If you possess an extensive and highly relevant work history that directly aligns with the job you're seeking, a reverse chronological CV might be the more effective choice. This traditional format allows you to showcase your career progression and a proven track record in the field you’re applying to work in.
Consider your industry
In some conservative industries, such as law or finance, a skills-based CV might come across as unconventional and out of place.
Equally, if your qualifications and skills don't significantly differentiate you from other candidates, then a skills-based CV might not provide a substantial advantage. If you still lack the experience to make your profile stand out, there are other formats you can consider. We’ll break these down later in this blog post.
While a skills based CV — also known as a functional CV — can be a strategic choice for many professionals, there are alternatives you can choose from. Here are a couple of CV format options to think about.
The reverse chronological CV is the gold standard of resume formats, and for a good reason. It's straightforward and easy to follow. It places your most recent job at the top and then lists your previous roles in reverse chronological order. This format is an excellent choice if you have a solid work history with positions that align with your career goals.
However, this format may not be the best fit for everyone. If you're in the middle of a career transition or are a recent graduate with limited work experience, the reverse chronological format might not showcase your value effectively.
The hybrid CV combines the strengths of both the chronological and skills based CV formats. This format starts with a resume header and professional summary, just like a traditional CV. However, it places a strong emphasis on the skills section, allowing you to showcase your expertise upfront.
This can be a big advantage if your professional experience is thin but it still offers some relevant points you want to clearly communicate to the hiring manager..
Tell a story with your CV
A key advantage of the reverse chronological format is that it highlights your career progression. This makes it easy to build a story for your prospective employers about your professional growth over time. The approach can help hiring managers to feel confident that you’ve got the expertise and attitude they need.
Challenge yourself to think of ways to tell a story through your CV about why you’re the best fit for the job, regardless of the format you choose!
If you’re still unsure of which CV format is the best for your unique profile and which one you should adopt, consider taking a moment to reflect before you start writing.
Tailor your CV to the job at hand
Tailor your skills-based CV to each job application. Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach. Analyse the job description carefully. This will give you the best results when you are customising your skills section to match the specific requirements of the role.