how to write cv

Example CV 1      Clean and Simple  

Example CV 2      Example CV with a border around the page

Example CV 3      Education, Reference and experience section only

Example CV 4                  Page Border

Example CV 5       Professional, Functional CV Sample

Example CV 6           Functional CV focus on qualifications and skills

Example CV 7          CV template with detailed sections

Example CV 8         CV with example info. and instructions

Example CV 9      CV template with suggestions and tips embedded

Example CV 10 CV template with shading in headings

Example CV 11     CV Example with detailed instructions and tips embedded

Example CV 12          Nice page border

Example CV 13      Professional Academic CV

Example CV 14     Clean shaded titles with emphasis on skills CV

Example CV 15    Small font CV

Example CV 16    Professional CV

Example CV 17     Right Aligned CV

Example CVs     Search the web for example CVs

What is a CV

Curriculum Vitae: an outline of a person's educational and professional history, usually prepared for job applications (L, lit.: the course of one's life). Another name for a CV is a résumé.

A CV is the most flexible and convenient way to make applications. It conveys your personal details in the way that presents you in the best possible light and can be used to make multiple applications to employers in a specific career area.  For this reason, many large graduate recruiters will not accept CVs and instead use their own application form.

An application form is designed to bring out the essential information and personal qualities that the employer requires and does not allow you to gloss over your weaker points as a CV does. In addition, the time needed to fill out these forms is seen as a reflection of your commitment to the career.

There is no "one best way" to construct a CV; it is your document and can be structured as you wish within the basic framework below. It can be on paper or on-line or even on a T-shirt (a gimmicky approach that might work for "creative" jobs but not generally advised!).

When should a CV be used?

• When an employer asks for applications to be received in this format


• When an employer simply states "apply to ..." without specifying the format


• When making speculative applications (when writing to an employer who has not advertised a vacancy but who you hope my have one)

What information should a CV include? Personal details Normally these would be your name, address, date of birth (although with age discrimination laws now in force this isn't essential), telephone number and email. Education and qualifications Your degree subject and university, plus A levels and GCSEs or equivalents. Mention grades unless poor! Work experience Use action words such as developed, planned and organised. Even work in a shop, bar or restaurant will involve working in a team, providing a quality service to customers, and dealing tactfully with complaints. Don't mention the routine, non-people tasks (cleaning the tables) unless you are applying for a casual summer job in a restaurant or similar. Try to relate the skills to the job. A finance job will involve numeracy, analytical and problem solving skills so focus on these whereas for a marketing role you would place a bit more more emphasis on persuading and negotiating skills. Interests and achievements Keep this section short and to the point. As you grow older, your employment record will take precedence and interests will typically diminish greatly in length and importance. Bullets can be used to separate interests into different types: sporting, creative etc. Don't use the old boring cliches here: "socialising with friends". Don't put many passive, solitary hobbies (reading, watching TV, stamp collecting) or you may be perceived as lacking people skills. Show a range of interests to avoid coming across as narrow : if everything centres around sport they may wonder if you could hold a conversation with a client who wasn't interested in sport. Hobbies that are a little out of the ordinary can help you to stand out from the crowd: skydiving or mountaineering can show a sense of wanting to stretch yourself and an ability to rely on yourself in demanding situations Any interests relevant to the job are worth mentioning: current affairs if you wish to be a journalist; a fantasy share portfolio such as Bullbearings if you want to work in finance. Any evidence of leadership is important to mention: captain or coach of a sports team, course representative, chair of a student society, scout leader. Anything showing evidence of employability skills such as teamworking, organising, planning, persuading, negotiating etc. Skills The usual ones to mention are languages (good conversational French, basic Spanish), computing (e.g. "good working knowledge of MS Access and Excel, plus basic web page design skills" and driving ("full current clean driving licence"). If you are a mature candidate or have lots of relevant skills to offer, a skills-based CV may work for you

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