Yes, in the right context. A traditional CV format is the expected standard in law, medicine, civil service, and senior finance roles. In those sectors, a modern or design-forward CV can actively signal poor cultural awareness. In technology, marketing, and creative industries, a classic format risks appearing unaware of current norms. The choice of format should match the culture of the industry and organization you are applying to. When in doubt, lean toward the format the sector's most respected practitioners would use.
In the UK, Australia, Europe, and most international contexts, a CV (curriculum vitae) is a comprehensive document covering your full career history, education, publications, and professional qualifications. It is typically 2 to 3 pages for an experienced professional. In the US and Canada, a resume is a shorter targeted document, typically 1 to 2 pages, tailored to a specific role. American employers expect a resume; British and European employers expect a CV. The distinction matters: submitting a 4-page CV to an American employer signals unfamiliarity with the market, as does submitting a 1-page resume to a UK law firm.
A brief profile of 3 to 5 sentences is appropriate on a traditional CV, particularly for senior candidates where the breadth of career history benefits from a brief summary. The profile should state your professional area, years of experience, and 1 or 2 distinguishing characteristics that are directly relevant to the type of role you are seeking. It should not contain vague claims like "results-driven" or "highly motivated." Think of it as the first paragraph a hiring partner would read: specific, credible, and brief.
Use month and year for all positions: "September 2019 to March 2022" or "Sep 2019 to Mar 2022." Never use year-only dates unless a role genuinely spanned multiple years with no fixed month (rare). Consistent date formatting signals attention to detail, which is a core competency in law, finance, and medical recruitment. The most common mistake is mixing formats: some roles with "Jan 2020" and others with "2020" within the same CV. Pick one format and apply it throughout.
For an experienced professional in a traditional sector: Profile or Personal Statement, Career History (most recent first), Education (most recent first), Professional Qualifications, Publications or Presentations (if applicable), Additional Information (languages, professional memberships). For a graduate entering a traditional profession: Education first, then any relevant experience, then qualifications in progress. The rationale is simple: put the most persuasive evidence of your fitness for the role as early as possible, and structure everything else to support that opening argument.