Advice and Tips on How to Write a CV

How to Write a CV

What is a CV?
A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a personal marketing tool which communicates your academic qualifications, work experience and skills to potential employers. The main aim of your CV should be to highlight your strengths and suitability for the post in order to obtain a first interview.

Before you start your CV
It is essential to research thoroughly what the employer will be looking for - use job descriptions, company brochures, personal contacts, etc. Then focus on your experience, knowledge, skills and attributes to put together a personal profile. One simple way of preparing the relevant information is to divide a blank A4 page in two, note down all the requirements of the post and try to match them to your experience. Remember to consider all aspects of your life in terms of what you have to offer, for example, spare time activities and family commitments will often offer valuable evidence of relevant skills.

What should go in your CV?
The average employer spends between 30 seconds and 2 minutes reading a CV. Therefore it is essential to make an instant impact. You must demonstrate evidence of your achievements, skills and qualities concisely and explicitly. Information presented in your CV should include: Personal Contact Details; Education and Qualifications; Work Experience (paid and voluntary); Skills; Interests; Referees. However, these headings are flexible and you should use them to suit the focus of your application.

How should you present your CV?
The purpose of the CV is to obtain an interview, so it must present evidence of what you have to offer in an interesting and positive form. Your CV is a very flexible document. It gives you control over how much space you devote to items and over the length and overall style of presentation. Ensure the layout is consistent and easy to read. Pay close attention to detail: be clear and consistent with headings, fonts and alignments; ensure you carefully check spelling and punctuation; and use reverse chronological order throughout.

When should you use your CV?
Many employers ask for a CV rather than an application form. In this case your CV should be targeted toward a particular job and some employers may have a standardised format they wish you to use. CVs are also used to make speculative applications. When making such applications it is important to anticipate what kind of opportunities are likely to be available within the organisation and to display knowledge of the company in your covering letter. You may also wish to consider uploading your CV electronically to a job website. Before doing this you should consider: who will see my CV and why; how will my personal details be stored and protected; can I use key words that will stand out online; and what alterations to my layout and style should I make for an online CV?

Your referees?
People use a variety of referees. Generally one should be an academic reference and the other should be a work-related or personal referee. In choosing an academic referee the most relevant people to ask are your Adviser of Studies, a lecturer/tutor or a supervisor. A personal referee should ideally be someone who has known you for a long time, but not a family member. A work related referee could be your most recent employer or internship supervisor. Be sure to choose someone who will support your application effectively. Ask your referees if they are willing to provide a reference before putting their name in your CV; ask if you may put down their telephone number and email address; always give your referee a copy of your CV and keep them informed about your career plans.

CVs - Golden Rules

• Keep it to a maximum of two sides of A4 (possibly more if you are a mature student/PhD).
• Always word processor your CV, using a professional font.
• Tailor it to the employer and/or type of work - use different versions if necessary.
• Keep it relevant. Focus on the skills needed for the job you are applying for.
• Be logical and consistent in style.
• Remember that the amount of space you allocate to something indicates the importance you give it - your most recent achievements should appear first.
• Avoid long sentences and large blocks of type. Use bullet points.
• Check grammar and spelling.
• Don't leave time unaccounted for - explain gaps using positive language.
• Avoid gimmicks, unexplained abbreviations and jargon.
• Include evidence from all areas of your life.
• Never lie.
• Add a 1 page covering letter.

Updated: Summer 2011