A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
When should a CV be used?
- When an employer asks for applications to be received in this format.
- When an employer states “apply to ...” without specifying the format.
- When making speculative applications (i.e. when writing to an employer who has not actually advertised a vacancy).
Contents of a CV
- Personal details and contact details
- Education and qualifications
- Work experience (full or part-time, paid and voluntary)
- Interests, activities, posts of responsibility, etc
- Skills (practical skills such as IT and languages)
- Referees
A CV should normally be no longer than two sides of A4: some people prefer a one side CV, but this can sometimes be rather too cramped, especially for postgraduates.
Curriculum Vitae Model
- First name
- Surname
- Address(es) House number, street name, postcode, city, country
- Telephone
- E-mail:
- Nationality:
- Date of birth:
- Education and training (2007 - University Diploma - Harward)
- 2003 - (High School Diploma - Los Angeles)
- Work experience (2006-2007 Microsoft - Software beta testing).
- Occupation or position held.
- Main activities and responsibilities.
- Name and address of employer.
- Type of business or sector
- Occupation or position held.
- Main activities and responsibilities.
- Name and address of employer.
- Type of business or sector
- Personal skills and competencesLanguagesMother tongue(s):
- Other language(s): (Specify: Understanding, speaking, writing level)
- Computer skills and competences
CV Layout (Examples)
NameDegree qualification and above | Address Telephone numbers E-mail address Date of birth |
| Profile / Career Objective Use a three to four line paragraph selling your personality or what you hope to achieve. Emphasise what you have to offer rather than what you expect from an employer. | |
| Education / Qualification List your highest qualification first and work backwards. List the title of your qualification, the college / university name and dates. | |
| Training / Placements / Experience / Dissertation / Project Sell your qualification with practical experience or investigations completed whilst in education. What makes you different? | |
| Work Experience / Summer job(s) Explain any experience gained through working with other people. Use this to demonstrate your reliability or team working ability. | |
| Other Achievements / Special Projects / Memberships At an interview it is extremely important to make yourself memorable. Use life moments that have changed you positively. | |
| Interests & Activities Don't just list three or four words. Write a paragraph about how you use your spare time. Introduce yourself as a person rather than just a job candidate. | |
| Personal Details Do you drive? Do you smoke? Do you have a passport? | |
For further examples:
