Your CV is your first chance to make a good impression on an employer. It enables you to demonstrate your strengths and achievements and highlight relevant skills and knowledge. A good, well presented CV will ensure you stand out and secure that all important interview.

Presentation and style    

• Do not handwrite your CV. Produce it on a computer, using an easy to read typeface; try not to use a smaller point size than 10.
• Present your CV on good quality paper and ensure it looks visually pleasing i.e. leave plenty of white space and differentiate sections clearly.
• Try to keep your CV to no more than two pages and never run over three.
• Ensure your CV has a simple clear structure that is easy to follow. Employers may only glance at your CV; the information they are looking for should stand out clearly.
• Tailor your CV to fit the job you are applying for.
• Use bullet points to break up paragraphs.
• Use bold text to highlight headings and sub-headings.
• Avoid an overly conversational tone.
• Ensure consistency and use positive robust language.
• Ensure your CV accurately reflects your achievements. Ask ‘does this CV sell me?’ If the answer is ‘no’, start again.
   

Contact    
Your full name should be the main heading of your CV – there is no need to write ‘CV’ as a heading; it should be quite clear to an employer what the document is.

Personal details should appear next. Include your address, email and telephone numbers (only include a current work number if you do not mind being contacted at work).

List education and work history in reverse order i.e. start with the most recent first. Your most recent qualifications and current job should be given priority.
Do not leave any gaps. For example, if you have been travelling or had a gap year make sure this is apparent on your CV.

Be truthful – ensure you can justify and provide examples for everything you have written. Check for spelling mistakes and typos. It is a good idea to have someone else carefully read through your CV. Never put something on your CV that you will not be prepared to discuss in an interview


Suggested structures

(for candidates with work experience)
1. personal details: include your home address, email address, telephone numbers and marital status.
2. key capabilities: list three core competencies that sum up your experience.
3. career statement: a summary of what you do in your job; list any people, project and budget management skills.
4. professional qualifications: list in reverse order i.e. most recent first.
5. work history: give greater emphasis to your current/most recent job; try and include a flavour of the job and your achievements. Use positive language.
6. academic qualifications: list in reverse order i.e. most recent first.
7. membership: of committees, steering groups etc.


(for candidates leaving education)    
1. personal details: include your home address, term address (if applicable), email address, telephone numbers, and marital status.
2. key capabilities: list three core competencies that sum up your core skills e.g. leadership, communication, supervisory skills.
3. personal statement: e.g. a summary of your key achievements to date.
4. professional qualifications/membership: list student membership of professional bodies and examination results (if applicable).
5. work experience: include summer and part time jobs; also include any voluntary work you have undertaken.
6. academic qualifications: list in reverse order i.e. most recent first.
7. membership: of student committees, teams and unions at school or university.