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Andrew Arkley|January 12, 2026

The Different Types Of CV

Planning your CV might seem simple, but if you don’t know the different CV types you can use, you could be selling yourself short.

There is no one-size-fits-all CV. Each candidate – and every application – needs a tailored approach.

Moreover, the type of CV format and layout you choose can have a huge impact on how an employer views your application.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the different types of CV to choose from. We’ve even put together a quiz to help you find the format that’ll make your CV shine.

Take our quiz below to find out which type of CV is right for you!

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Key points: Different Types Of CV

There is no universal CV format — the best type depends on your experience, career goals and the role you’re applying for.
A functional (skills-based) CV focuses on transferable skills and achievements rather than work history, making it ideal for career changers or those with gaps.
A chronological CV lists work experience in reverse order and suits candidates with a clear, consistent career path in one industry.
A combined CV blends skills and career history, allowing you to showcase both achievements and progression when used carefully.
Employers often prefer clear, concise CVs that highlight the most relevant information early, as recruiters typically scan CVs quickly.
Selecting the right CV type helps employers understand your value immediately and improves your chances of progressing to interview.

What are the types of CV?

There are three common CV types that will fit most industries:

Functional (skills-based) CV
Chronological CV
Combined CV

But what do these different types of CV mean? Read on to find out…

Functional CV (or skills-based CV):

A functional (or skills-based) CV puts the focus on your skills and achievements, rather than your work history.

This type of CV starts with a list of skills and achievements from your personal and professional life. Follow that up with a brief section featuring your education, work experience or employment details. Any formal qualifications should be noted in this section, too.

A functional CV is the best of the CV types if you’re looking to change your career, and don’t have prior experience with the job’s responsibilities.

A functional CV will put your valuable transferable skills at the forefront. This means employers can focus on what makes you a good fit for the role – not what you’re lacking.

Similarly, if you’ve taken time out from the workplace, a skills-based CV may serve you better than chronological CV types, where career breaks are more evident.

If you’re writing a functional type of CV, take the time to read the job description carefully. What desired skills are flagged up? How can you demonstrate these succinctly on your CV?

Remember: recruiters and hiring managers are almost always short of time. Careers experts recommend that you say your most important information on the first half of your page.

If your skills aren’t your strongest asset, consider one of the other CV types.

A functional career change CV will go well with a well-structured cover letter, which is why we have written about how to write a career change cover letter.

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Chronological CV:

This is one of the most commonly used CV types. Typically, chronological CVs will include a personal statement with your career objectives, followed by your employment history in reverse-chronological order.

You would then detail any relevant job qualifications, followed by your hobbies and interests.

Education typically sits above employment history- at least for those new to the job market.

However, if you’re further along in your professional life, exam results and degree qualifications may no longer carry the same weight.

Traditional CV types like the chronological CV are popular with employers because they can see your career progression. If you have worked in the same sector for a while and want to continue to do so, this is the best CV format for you.

Of course, with a functional CV, there is no hiding from large gaps between roles. That doesn’t mean you can’t use the chronological format – but explain why the gap is there on your cover letter, if not on the CV itself.

Combined CV:

If you like aspects of both of the previous CV types, a combined CV could be the answer.

It’s a mixture of the features of both functional and chronological CVs, and can be the best of both worlds – but only if it’s handled with care.

This type of CV consists of a profile, then a brief skills section. Follow that up with your career history, detailing responsibilities and achievements for each role.

By its nature, a combined CV will often end up longer than a skills-based or chronological CV. However, remember the importance of brevity – most recruiters will only look at your document for six seconds.

Also, if you’re struggling to pull together skills and achievements from previous roles, combined types of CVs are likely to do more harm than good.

That said, for those with a very strong career path and achievements the combined CV is ideal. It’s a great way to show your transferable skills, without tying you to a specific sector.

Not sure which type of CV is right for you? Take our quiz below to find out!

FAQs: Different Types Of CV

What type of CV should I use?

The CV type you should use depends on your background and the role you’re applying for. Chronological CVs suit candidates with steady career progression, functional CVs work well for career changers, and combined CVs are ideal if you want to showcase both skills and experience.

What kind of CV do employers prefer?

Most employers prefer a clear, well-structured chronological CV because it shows career progression and recent experience at a glance. However, recruiters value relevance and clarity above format, so the best CV is one that clearly matches the job description.

What are the three types of CVs?

The three most common CV types are chronological, functional (skills-based) and combined CVs. These formats cover the majority of job applications across different industries and career stages.

Which kind of CV is best?

There is no single best CV format for everyone. The most effective CV is one that highlights your strengths, suits your career history and aligns closely with the role you’re applying for.

What is the current CV style in the UK?

In the UK, the current CV style is clean, concise and tailored to the role. Most CVs are two pages long, use clear headings and bullet points, and focus on achievements rather than duties.

Conclusion – CV types that suit your experience

At PurpleCV, we know that you’re not a template. Every candidate has different strengths and career goals. The different types of CV are your chance to highlight the most important experience for you.

We hope you found this guide helpful, There’s more content you might enjoy. Take a look at the articles below.

If you’re still unsure which types of CV you might need, or want some help creating a different type of CV than what you’re used to, our expert writers are here to help.

We’ll craft a unique CV to your skills so you can take the next step in your career, wherever you want to go.