Putting together a CV that really catches the eye of recruiters doesn't have to be a headache. Today, the most commonly used templates follow a clean, straightforward and well-organized format, prioritizing essential information. If you want an efficient document that highlights your qualifications and increases your chances on the market, take a look at the examples below and choose the ideal template for your profile.

What should a good CV have today?

Times have changed and long, disorganized CVs are quickly discarded. Recruiters want something objective, which makes it easy to read and immediately shows whether the candidate has what it takes for the job. Your CV should contain:

  • Name and contact details at the top
  • One professional summary direct and impactful
  • Professional experiencestarting with the most recent job
  • Academic background, highlighting the most relevant courses
  • Skills and competencies
  • Languages and certificationsif they are important for your area

Whatever template you choose, this information is essential. But each type of professional can organize their CV differently. Below are the most commonly used formats and practical examples of how to structure them.

1# Traditional curriculum (chronological)

Ideal for those who already have experience in the field and want to show their professional career clearly. It follows a descending chronological order, starting with the most recent job.

Example of a traditional curriculum:

João Silva
📧 [email protected] | (11) 98765-4321 | 🌐 linkedin.com/in/joaosilva

Professional Summary:
Digital Marketing Analyst with 5 years' experience in paid traffic campaigns, SEO and social media. Skilled at increasing conversions and creating engagement strategies for brands in various segments.

Professional Experience:

🔹 Digital Marketing Analyst - XYZ Agency | 2022 - Current

  • Management of paid campaigns on Google Ads and Meta Ads
  • Increased lead conversion by 35% in six months
  • Development of social media strategies

🔹 Marketing Assistant - Startup ABC | 2020 - 2022

  • Creating content for blogs and social networks
  • Implementation of basic SEO strategies
  • Assistance in planning paid campaigns

Academic background:
🎓 Bachelor's Degree in Advertising - XPTO University | 2019

Skills:
✅ SEO and Content Marketing
✅ Paid Traffic (Google Ads, Facebook Ads)
Data Analysis (Google Analytics, Power BI)

This model works well for professionals with consolidated experience.

2# Functional curriculum (by skills)

This format is great for those who are in a career transition, have little experience or want to highlight technical and behavioral skills.

Example of a functional CV:

Maria Oliveira
📧 [email protected] | (21) 98765-4321 | 🌐 linkedin.com/in/mariaoliveira

Professional Profile:
Organized professional with skills in customer service and administrative support. Ability to solve problems quickly and excellent interpersonal communication.

Skills:
Customer Service - Experience in dealing with customers, solving problems and ensuring satisfaction
Time Management - Efficient organization of tasks and meeting deadlines
Advanced Office Package - Proficiency in Word, Excel and PowerPoint for reports and spreadsheets

Professional Experience:
🔹 Receptionist - Healthy Living Clinic | 2023 - Current

  • Face-to-face and telephone patient care
  • Organizing the medical agenda and scheduling appointments
  • Document and file control

Academic background:
🎓 Technical Course in Administration - Senac | 2022

For those with little experience, this model highlights skills and makes the CV more competitive.

3# Hybrid curriculum (experience + skills)

This model mixes professional experience with the candidate's skills and is one of the most widely used today. It is ideal for professionals who already have a relevant career, but want to highlight the skills they have acquired over time.

Example of a hybrid curriculum:

Carlos Mendes
📧 [email protected] | (31) 98765-4321 | 🌐 linkedin.com/in/carlosmendes

Professional Summary:
Full-stack developer with 6 years' experience in web development, API creation and performance optimization. Passionate about technology and always up-to-date with market news.

Skills:
🚀 Development in JavaScript, React and Node.js
🚀 Creation of RESTful APIs and integration with databases
🚀 Code versioning with Git and GitHub

Professional Experience:

🔹 Full Stack Developer - Tech Solutions | 2021 - Current

  • Development of responsive web applications
  • Creation of APIs and integration with MySQL and MongoDB databases
  • Implementation of good security practices and code optimization

🔹 Front-End Developer - WebTech Agency | 2018 - 2021

  • Developing interactive interfaces with React.js
  • Website optimization for technical SEO and performance
  • Maintaining and updating websites and digital platforms

Academic background:
🎓 Computer Science - Federal University XYZ | 2017

This model is flexible and works well for different areas of activity.

4# Creative curriculum (differentiated design)

For those working in areas such as design, advertising, marketing and technology, a visual CV can be an asset. But beware: it must be well structured so as not to compromise readability.

📌 Tips for an effective creative CV:
🎨 Use a modern design, but don't overdo it
📊 Include skill charts and visual indicators
🌐 Add links to portfolio or personal projects

Recommended tools:

  • Canva - For personalized visual CVs
  • Adobe Illustrator - For more sophisticated layouts
  • Figma - For designers who want something innovative

A creative CV can be a great differentiator, but it should be used with caution. Some companies prefer more traditional formats.

Mistakes you should avoid on your CV

Even if you follow the right model, small mistakes can damage your chances. Be careful not to:

❌ Use long, disorganized texts
❌ Include unnecessary information (such as marital status or number of documents)
Exaggerate the use of colors and visual elements
❌ Making spelling or typing mistakes

Before sending your CV, proofread everything carefully and ask someone you trust for their opinion.

After all, which model to follow?

The best model depends on your professional profile. If you already have consolidated experience, the traditional curriculum is a great choice. For those starting out or changing fields, the functional curriculum can better highlight your skills. The hybrid is an efficient middle ground, while creative curriculum works for visual areas.

Regardless of the format you choose, keep the document clear, direct and up-to-date. That way, you'll increase your chances of catching the attention of recruiters and winning a good job!

See also: Guide to sending CVs to companies with CV databases

February 20th, 2025