what type of cv?

ali-t

I'm going to apply for a job that has an online application form and requires a CV attached to it. I have only used chronological CV s before but the application form seeks chronological and background info so I am assuming a skills based or achievement based CV would be better.

The job is a senior strategic government type post and I have no idea how to best sell myself using a CV. I have looked at a few examples online but am looking for views about which style works best.

One I looked at had a section called key achievements where I would list up to 10 things across my whole career and then in the career summary section just list responsibilities in the role.

Another one was similar but had a key skills instead of key achievements section.

Another listed each job and then had sections for key skills and key achievements for each job.

Any thoughts before I get started? I have quite a strong career path so don't foresee any gaps using any of the methods and would be using laptop rather than tablet so grammar and typos wouldn't be an issue.

barbarawright

Does it ask for a cv or is there a blank page asking for more information? I ask because I deal with local government recruitment and we *never* ask for a cv but loads of people attach them to the application form rather than giving the information we ask for. These go straight in the bin...

Are there person specifications/selection criteria? If so, whether a cv or a statement, the key thing is to match all these (rather than matching the jd). So you would need a mixture of skills and achievements which demonstrate the skills. And if there is a list of selection criteria, do a numbered list and tick everything off. Surely it doesn't have to be one or the other but you need both (no good, for example, listing your ICT skills unless you can demonstrate what you do with them)

Good luck!

Yorkie1

One general point about government style applications is that they tend to be based on evidence. So if you provide an example, don't just say you did something, but explain what you did, why you did it, how you did it and what the outcome was.

ali-t

It specifically asks for a CV. I work in local government and am very comfortable with those types of applications so this one is new to me. It is based in a university but funded by central government so all new to me. I felt that the info in the application form would duplicate what I would have put in a standard CV.

There is no real job description or person spec provided just a few bullet points about the job. It feels like faking about in the dark. Local gov applications are very clear in comparison.

Has anyone had to apply for a senior post using a CV?