cv advice - on writing and templates
On this page you will find information cv advice. A CV is a useful tool; it allows you to apply for a job quickly and effectively. You can leave it with prospective employers at career fairs or use it to apply speculatively to companies who are not actively recruiting.
There is no 'correct' method of designing a CV but there are some basic rules you should follow. Below are two examples of different formats.
University Format
Your aim is to design a CV that works for you.
Header: This would usually include your name, contact details, date of birth and nationality.
Optional profile summary: No more than one paragraph about yourself.
The following information should be presented in reverse chronological order. This focuses the reader's attention on the most recent and significant information.
University life
Qualifications: Enter details of your degree and any postgraduate or higher national qualifications. These can be described in detail so decide which are most relevant for the job in question and emphasise these.
Key achievements: It's a good idea to highlight any awards or accolades you've received, such as being made head of a society or winning a sporting event.
Skills: These are skills gained while at university, additional to qualifications and experience. Common personal skills are of interest to all employers. Choose words that create the right image, for example 'communicating', 'organising', 'team working', 'flexible' and 'energetic'.
Work experience: Include a description of each job you had while at university, broken down into duties and responsibilities.
A Level or equivalent life
Qualifications: Enter A-level or equivalent qualifications, including subject, grade and the institution where the qualification was taken.
Key achievements: Highlight any awards you received during this time.
Skills: Again, detail personal skills gained in addition to qualifications and experience.
Work experience: Describe each job you had during this period, including duties and responsibilities.
GCSEs or equivalent life
Qualifications: Enter your GCSE results with grades.
Key achievements: Highlight any awards that you received during this time.
Skills: Talk about skills gained while at school, in addition to qualifications and experience.
Work experience: Include a description of each job, broken down into duties and responsibilities.
Page two: The information on this page should help the reader understand more about you as a person. It should also detail any general skills employers may be interested in. Include details of hobbies, interests, languages spoken and IT skills.
References: You may wish to include two references. Include the names, addresses and phone numbers of two referees.
Standard format
This is the most traditional layout for a CV but remember that no format is set in stone. It gives details by subject: qualifications, work experience, key skills and abilities.Personal details: These should be clearly shown at the top of the first page and include your name, date of birth, university and home addresses, telephone number and e-mail address.
Optional career aim: Include your goals and ambitions here but avoid sounding pretentious or arrogant.
Education history: List in reverse chronological order. Your degree information should include details of the course chosen, expected or achieved grade, an overview of subjects studied and details of your final year project.
Work experience: Relate your employment history in chronological order and include date employed, company name and duties and responsibilities.
Key skills and abilities: It's a good idea to include any language, computer or other skills you have.
References: List two referees, one should be someone involved in your education and one a previous employer.
RECRUITERS
