How to write the perfect CV

The following is a guide to help you when you compile your CV. There is no correct way to write a CV but a few general rules will help.

Our advice is:  
- that your CV should be targeted on the specific job or career area for which you are applying and brings out the relevant skills you have to offer
- your CV should be logically ordered, easy to read and not cramped (please see below for further guidance)
- your CV should be informative but concise 
- the information should be accurate in content, spelling and grammar  

Start as follows:  

1) Personal Details
This would be your name, address, telephone number and email.  

2) Employment History
Short overview at the beginning of your CV, a quick glance at your career over the past 5 years, date, positions, employer and location.

3) Education
Full details of your Education, where you undertook your studies and when this was completed.

4) Employment History
Start off with your most current employment; this should include the dates from when until when you have been working for your current employer. The Full Name and Location of your current employer. Also a clear overview of your duties in your current role. This should include any procedures and tasks in your role. Follow this up with an overview of your previous employment, dates of employment, full name, location and an overview of your duties. It is advisable to cover the last 5 years of employment in full.  

5) Training courses
Details of courses attended over the last 5 years including their scope and duration

6) Conferences attended
Details of conferences attended over the last 5 years including their scope and duration (IF RELEVANT).

7) Publications
This is only for those employees to whom it may be relevant. Details of Publications published including their scope and duration.

8) Achievements
Short overview of achievements relevant to your current occupation. Keep this short and to the point.

9) Referees
Referee name, surname, contact number, position and email address (only work email addresses not personal addresses)   It is preferred in the United Kingdom to expand on your work experience. 
Short CV’s are not as successful as a CV with a good overview of experience and duties.  

Please refer to our CV template CV Template.doc (58.5 KB)