Your CV

Your CV is your opportunity to market your skills and abilities. It supplies potential employers with information about you that is relevant to your application. Your CV alone won’t get you the job,but a good CV is your passport to interviews. Employers aren’t going to spend hours studying your CV, so you need to make sure that it says the right things about you in a clear and accessible way. Putting together an effective CV takes time.

First, some basic tips on layout:

 - make your name stand out

 - you don’t need to write “curriculum vitae”

 - use one or two full sides

 - print onto good quality paper

 - make sure that the layout is well-balanced using the full width of the paper effectively

 - stick to one clear font throughout (e.g. Arial, Times New Roman), 11pt minimum for main text.

Remember that it is your unique document – there are no set rules about the headings you must use. Aim to select headings that best display your relevant experience and skills to the potential employer.

Some generalised headings are suggested below, but you might also like to consider some of the following: employment history, relevant experience, positions of responsibility, teaching/research/ publishing/media/legal etc. experience, other experience, voluntary work, scholarships, awards, publications, presentations, conferences/courses attended, interests & activities… the list could be extensive.

Addresses need to be clear, but can be compact. Make sure that you can be easily contacted using the information you have given. It’s a good idea to state your nationality and work permit status if appropriate. Beware quirky email addresses – fluffybunny69@” does not create a professional impression.

Education

Any academic awards could go here. Put in grades or expected grades if available. Add course details if relevant. There’s no need to list all those GCSE subjects and grades unless specifically requested or really relevant. A-level and GCSE results can be summarized on one or two lines each. Help recruiters by giving an indication of the equivalence or grading system of any non-UK qualifications.

Work Experience

This is a good place to give evidence of the required competences. Others may come with your degree details, or interests. Use bullet points and emphasise your achievements and responsibilities, not just the activity. Avoid just listing skills: let your description speak for itself. Start with the most recent. Emphasise the most relevant aspects of your experience.

Interests

A section on extra-curricular activities is often overlooked as an opportunity to demonstrate required competencies. Where appropriate give an indication of your level of commitment.

Referees

Referees, not “references”! Ask them first and send them a copy of your application.

And finally…

Many people start by putting together a “general” CV. While this can be a good way to organize your thoughts and take stock of your experience it is a poor substitute for a CV targeted at a specific employer. Bear in mind that an employer will probably only spend a few minutes reading your CV – an effective application will win you that all-important interview.