Writing a CV
A CV is a useful tool. It allows you to quickly and effectively apply for a job you may have seen advertised. You can leave it with prospective employers at career fairs so they can learn more about you, or even use it to apply speculatively for positions at companies who are not actively recruiting.
It is important to remember that there is no one method of designing a CV, but there are some basic rules that you must remember to follow. Below are some basic examples of different CV formats, your aim is to design a CV that works for you and delivers you the results.
CV Guide - Graduate Format
This CV is designed for graduates who are looking for a graduate scheme, who have little or no work experience. The emphasis of this CV is your academic experience, your key achievements, key skills and relevant work experience. This CV gives the reader a snap shot of each particular academic stage; University, A levels and GCSE's. Below highlights the layout of this method.
The CV Header: This may include amongst other information, name, contact details, date of birth and nationality.
Optional Profile Summary: This should contain no more than one paragraph about yourself.
The following Information should be presented in reverse chronological order, this has the effect of focusing the readers attention on your most recent, significant information.
University Life
Qualifications: Here you enter your degree, postgraduate or higher national qualifications. The degree/postgraduate can be explained in reasonable detail, decide what are your most relevant components of the qualification.
Key Achievements: It is a good idea to highlight any awards that you have received e.g. academic achievement or head of a society etc.
Skills: These are skills gained while at University, in addition 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, interpersonal, flexible, energetic.
Work Experience: Can include a description of each job, broken down into duties and responsibilities.
A Level or Equivalent Life
Qualifications: Here you enter A-Level or equivalent qualification, this should highlight a summary of the qualification including subject & grade and the institution where the qualification was taken.
Key Achievements: It is a good idea to highlight any awards that you have received e.g. academic or head of a society etc.
Skills: These are skills gained while at College or Sixth form, in addition 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, interpersonal, flexible, energetic.
Work Experience: Can include a description of each job, broken down into duties and responsibilities.
GCSE's or Equivalent Life
Qualifications: Here you enter your GCSE's. It's not usually necessary to include all GCSE's.
Key Achievements: It is a good idea to highlight any awards that you have received either for a subject or sports related etc.
Skills: These are skills gained while at school, in addition 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, interpersonal, flexible, energetic.
Work Experience: Can include a description of each job, broken down into duties and responsibilities
Page 2: The following should help the reader understand more about you as a person the types of things that you may do in you free time.
Hobbies - Interests - Languages - IT Skills
References: You may wish to include two references that include name, addresses and phone numbers of two referees
CV Guide - Standard Format
This is the most traditional layout for a CV, it is important to remember there is no such thing as an expert CV.
This format identifies your details by subject, Qualifications, Work Expereince, 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 address, telephone number and e-mail address.
Optional Career Aim
This may include your goals and ambitions; avoid being pretentious or arrogant.
Education History
This should be listed in reverse chronological order. Your degree information should include course chosen, expected or achieved grade, 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. The aim is to encourage the employer to interview you.
References
List two referees, one should be someone involved in your education and one a previous employer.
CV Tips and Advice
A CV is a widely accepted tool for job application, and every graduate should have prepared a basic CV, below are some tips and advice when designing your CV. Once you have completed your CV why not send it to us CV Guide for free advice.
Look of your CV
Your CV should be presented on a good quality white A4 paper. Use an easily readable font a good example is either Arial 11 or Times New Roman 12. Remember the layout should be attractive, but do not get distracted here from the aim of the CV.
Targeting your CV
Do not forget to target your CV; there is no such thing as an all-purpose CV. A CV should be treated like an application form targeted for that specific company. Your CV should highlight your academic achievement and your skill sets for that particular job position.
Space
Do not make the mistake of hiding the best parts of your CV. Allot the right amount of space in accordance with the importance of the information for example your degree should receive more coverage than the amount of space designated to the CV header or your A-Levels.
Use the margins available to you, set your margins to approximately 2.5cm to 3cm.
Covering Letter
A CV or application form should never be presented on its own; it should always be accompanied by a covering letter. This should be hand written and precise, no more than a side of A4 and clearly readable. For an employer it's a good example of your written communication skills. The letter should give an employer a good reason to interview you, so think about it carefully.
Finally
A CV should be no more than 2 pages; it should be spell checked or proofread. It is important to keep copies of all CVs, application forms and covering letters you send out to refer to later when you get that interview!
