How to Create a Curriculum Vitae

WHAT IS A CURRICULUM VITAE?

A curriculum vitae (CV) is a summary, providing information and details of your career history, education and qualifications etc.

THE AIM OF A CV

The purpose of a CV is to show a prospective employer that you have the necessary qualities and qualifications to do the job you're applying for. Its aim is to get you an interview, so it needs to demonstrate clearly that you have:

• The specific skills needed for the job;
• The right type of experience;
• The personal qualities for the position; and
• An understanding of the specific requirements of the job.

WHAT DO YOU INCLUDE IN A CV?

• A CV should be between two and three pages long, however employers may request a one page summary;
• Always be honest and factual;
• Contact details should be clearly laid out on the initial page;
• Professional and educational qualifications should be included with dates;
• Recent training courses or skill development;
• Your employment history should include any part time jobs and work experience;
• Bullet points should be used for achievements or key attributes; and
• Leave out irrelevant information but include hobbies and expect the interviewer to ask questions about them.

THE LAYOUT OF YOUR CV

As well as keeping your CV accurate, clear and relevant you should use the following as a basic outline:

• Contact details/ personal details;
• Personal profile/ statement;
• Education and qualifications;
• Training and development;
• Employment history;
• Interests and hobbies; and
• References.

If you began studying for a qualification but did not achieve it, or are currently studying but have not completed your course, include this information with expected dates/results. If you have obtained overseas qualifications, try to establish the UK equivalent and/or English translations if required.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Employment history should be in reverse chronological order with the most recent employment at the beginning. (See example CV)

• Dates (month & year);
• Company name;
• Job title;
• Description of your role and responsibilities held within the company;
• List your achievements within each position; and
• Reasons for leaving.

COMPUTER LITERACY

List computer packages you have used and the level you have attained i.e. Microsoft Word (Advanced), Sun Accounts (Basic).

REFEREES

References are usually 'available upon request' if you are happy for them to be contacted, give the names and addresses of two most recent employers.