Your CV format is the structure and layout that holds your information together. The right format makes your strongest qualifications easy to find in a few seconds; the wrong one hides them. The good news is that one format works for most people, and the rules are simple.
The three main CV formats
| Format | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Reverse-chronological | Most candidates with steady work history | Gaps and frequent job changes are more visible |
| Skills-based (functional) | Career changers, people returning to work | Some recruiters distrust it if dates are missing |
| Hybrid (combination) | Experienced professionals, career changers | Can get long — keep the skills summary tight |
If you are unsure, use reverse-chronological. Recruiters expect it, and applicant tracking systems read it most reliably.
The correct order of CV sections
- 1Contact details — name, job title, phone, email, city, LinkedIn.
- 2Profile / professional summary — three or four lines.
- 3Work experience — most recent first, with achievements.
- 4Education — move above experience if you are a student or recent graduate.
- 5Skills — hard skills, tools and languages.
- 6Certifications, training and awards — if relevant.
- 7Optional sections — volunteering, projects, publications, interests.
Layout rules that work everywhere
| Element | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Font | Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, Georgia or Garamond |
| Font size | 10–12pt body, 14–16pt headings, 18–22pt name |
| Margins | 1.5–2.5 cm (0.6–1 inch) on all sides |
| Line spacing | 1.0–1.15 with space between sections |
| Columns | Single column for best ATS compatibility |
| Length | 1 page (early career), 2 pages (experienced) |
| File type | Text-based PDF unless Word is requested |
| File name | Firstname-Lastname-CV.pdf |
Put this into practice
Build an ATS-friendly CV with live preview and free PDF download.
Example: reverse-chronological CV format
FULL NAME — Target Job Title
City, Country · Phone · Email · LinkedIn
PROFILE
Three lines: who you are, your key skills, one measurable result, what you want next.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Job Title — Employer, City | Month Year – Present
• Action verb + task + measurable result
• Action verb + task + measurable result
EDUCATION
Degree — University, City | Year
SKILLS
Category: skill, skill, skill · Languages: language (level)
Example: skills-based (hybrid) CV format
FULL NAME — Target Job Title
PROFILE
Explain the move and your strongest transferable evidence.
KEY SKILLS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Project Management — Delivered 40+ events a year with budgets up to $25K.
Data & Reporting — Built weekly KPI reports in Excel used by the leadership team.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Job Title — Employer | Dates (one line per role)
TRAINING
Relevant course or certification — Year
Read the career change CV guide for more on this format.
Country differences in CV format
The structure above works almost everywhere, but personal details differ by country. Photos and nationality are common in the Gulf and parts of Europe and Asia, and usually omitted in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia. Germany favours a tabular layout with exact month and year dates. See our country guides for the UK, USA, UAE and Germany.
All templates in the CV builder use this format by default, so you can focus on writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best CV format in 2026?+
For most people, a single-column reverse-chronological CV with a short profile, achievement-based experience, education and skills.
Should I use a CV template with two columns?+
Two columns can look attractive, but single-column layouts are safer for applicant tracking systems and easier to read on any screen.
Should my CV be PDF or Word?+
Use a text-based PDF by default. Send Word only if the employer or portal asks for it.
BuildCVFast Editorial Team
This guide is written and reviewed by the BuildCVFast editorial team using current hiring practices, published employer guidance and official government sources where relevant. We update our guides regularly. Read our editorial policy or send us a correction.