The final stages of university life can be a make-or-break period for many students. Beyond preparing for graduation, students must also start planning for their future, particularly when it comes to choosing their career paths. With enthusiasm and optimism, they create and submit their Curriculum Vitae (CVs), often using attractive templates with modern, professional designs. Yet, as the days go by, no interview invitations arrive. The problem may not lie in your qualifications or competencies, Kawan UNDIRA, but rather in the format of your CV.

On October 21, 2026, the Career and Alumni Development Bureau of Universitas Dian Nusantara (BPKA UNDIRA), in collaboration with Kinobi, held a career workshop that gave participants an opportunity to explore and learn more about CVs and how to prepare them effectively. Among the many insights shared by Ms. Najla Afiyah, Customer Success Associate at Kinobi, one key highlight was the difference between CV formats and how each type can influence a candidate’s chances of being hired while helping streamline the recruitment process. In this article, let’s take a moment to revisit the different types of CVs and explore how choosing the right format can help you stand out to recruiters.

It is important to understand that a CV is essentially a document summarizing your professional experience, educational background, and achievements. However, a good CV is not simply about presenting your qualifications and personal profile. Its structure and format also play an important role. In the recruitment process, two common types of CVs are widely used: ATS and Non-ATS CVs.

First, there is the ATS CV, also known as an ATS-friendly CV. This format is commonly used by job applicants and is often favored in recruitment processes. Why is that? Because it is specifically designed to be easy to read, both for recruiters and for Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software, which companies use to screen and filter job applications.

Keep in mind that even when reviewing applications manually, recruiters typically spend only around three to six seconds scanning a CV submitted by Kawan UNDIRA. This is why ATS-friendly CVs emphasize relevant keywords that align with a company's requirements, along with a clear structure that can be easily processed by screening software. Their appearance is generally simple, without eye-catching design elements or tables commonly used to attract attention and establish a candidate's personal brand. While this format may seem a little plain, its concise and straightforward presentation makes it an effective choice for job applications across a wide range of industries.

Despite its concise and straightforward format, an ATS CV is not necessarily the best choice for every industry, Kawan UNDIRA. This is where Non-ATS CVs, also known as creative CVs, come into play. Unlike ATS CVs, this format places greater emphasis on personalization and personal branding through design elements, tables, and infographics. The key lies in choosing the right colors and creating a well-balanced layout. Creative CVs are generally more suitable for fields that demand a high level of creativity, such as graphic design, digital marketing, and drafting. However, it is important to avoid excessive design elements to ensure that the CV remains professional and easy to read.

So, the final question is: "Which type of CV should I use?" The answer depends on your needs and career goals, Kawan UNDIRA. Both ATS and Non-ATS CVs have their own strengths and limitations, so the right choice ultimately depends on the position and industry you are applying to. At the end of the day, the best CV is the one that aligns most closely with your objectives.

If you are still unsure how to put one together, you do not have to figure everything out on your own. BPKA UNDIRA is always ready to support you through its regularly आयोजित career workshops and webinars, which provide practical tips and guidance on creating an effective CV. In addition, through its collaboration with Kinobi, you can access the UNDIRA Career Portal to explore job and internship opportunities while creating your own CV with the help of its integrated AI-powered CV builder. Remember, your CV is an extension of who you are and a reflection of where you aspire to go. Make sure it is accurate, well-structured, and tailored to the opportunity before you submit it.