Name: _____________________________________________________________ M.__/__ No.

____

Directions: Study the following article to write a CV to apply for a job you want.

What is a CV?

A CV (curriculum vitae) allows you to summarise your education, skills and experience, selling
yourself to employers.

In the USA and Canada it's known as a résumé, and tends to be a more concise document.

How long should a CV be?

A standard CV in the UK should be no longer than two sides of A4.

Only include the main facts; if your CV is just one page, that's fine, as employers only want to
read relevant information. Some medical or academic CVs may be longer depending on your
experience.

What to include in a CV

Contact details - Include your full name, home address, mobile number and email address.
You do not need to include your date of birth or a photograph unless you're applying for an
acting or modelling job.

Profile - Placed at the beginning of the CV, a profile is a concise statement that highlights your
key attributes or reasons for deciding to work in a particular field. Pick out a few relevant
achievements and skills, while clearly articulating your career aims. It must focus on the sector
you're applying to, as your cover letter will be job-specific. You should keep it short and snappy
- 100 words is the perfect length.

Education - List and date all previous education, including professional qualifications, placing
the most recent first.
Work experience - List your experience in reverse chronological order, making sure that
anything you mention is relevant to the job you're applying for. If you have plenty of relevant
work experience, this section should come before education.

Skills and achievements - This is where you talk about the foreign languages you speak and
the IT packages you can competently use. Whatever you list should be relevant to the job and
not over-exaggerated, as you'll need to back up your claims at interview. If you have got lots of
relevant experience you should do a skills-based CV.

Interests - Simply writing socialising, going to the cinema and reading' isn't going to catch the
attention of the recruiter. However, when relevant to the job, your interests can provide a more
rounded picture of you and give you something to talk about at interview. Examples include
writing your own blog if you want to be a journalist, or being part of a drama group if you're
looking to get into sales.

References - You don't need to provide the names of references at this stage. You also don't
need to say 'references available upon request' as most employers would assume this to be
the case.

CV format

Avoid fonts such as Comic Sans. Instead, choose something more professional such as size-10
Arial.

List everything in reverse chronological order so the recruiter sees your most impressive and
recent achievements first.

Keep it concise and easy to read by using clear spacing and bullet points. This type of CV layout
allows employers to skim your CV and quickly pick out the important information.

If you're posting your CV, go with white A4 paper. Only print on one side and don't fold your CV
- you don't want it to arrive creased.
How to write a good CV

1. Use active verbs wherever possible. For example, you could include words like 'created',
'analysed' and 'devised' to present yourself as a person who shows initiative.
2. There should be no spelling or grammar mistakes in your CV. Use a spell checker and
enlist a second pair of eyes to check over it.
3. Avoid using generic phrases such as 'team player', 'hardworking' and 'multitasker'. Instead,
provide real-life examples that demonstrate all of these skills.
4. Take a look at the company's website, local press and the job advert to make sure that
your CV is targeted to the role and employer.
5. Decide whether the chronological, skills-based or academic CV is right for you. For more
information, take a look at example CVs.
6. Don't put the term 'curriculum vitae' at the top of the page.
7. Provide a professional-sounding email address.
8. Never lie or exaggerate on your CV or job application. Not only will you demonstrate
your dishonesty to a potential employer, but there can be serious consequences too.
For example, altering your degree grade from a 2:2 to a 2:1 is classed as degree fraud
and can result in a prison sentence.
9. You should always include a cover letter unless the employer states otherwise. It will
enable you to personalise your application to the job. You can draw attention to a
particular part of your CV, disclose a disability or clarify gaps in your work history.
Chronological CV
Sometimes known as a traditional CV, a chronological CV is used to match your qualifications
and work experience with the requirements for the job role. The CV is structured in reverse
chronological order i.e. the most recent qualifications and experience are listed first.
This type of graduate CV template makes it easy for employers to identify potential candidates.
It allows you to provide clear details of your qualifications, work history and responsibilities
which match the criteria provided in the job description.
It's important to include:

• dates - cover any gaps in your history

• qualifications and work experience - match these to the role you're applying for
• additional skills and knowledge - cover essential criteria for the role.

Skills-based CV
Also known as a functional CV, the skills-based CV can be used if you have gaps in your
employment history. This type of CV template is also useful if you have limited experience or
are applying for a job which is unrelated to your degree.
Employability skills are transferable to different roles and employers. The skills-based CV allows
you to focus on the skills you have developed in various areas of your life.
It's important to:

• position your skills profile prominently

• match your skills with the role profile and use the same headings
• provide evidence of how you've used your skills in a real life situation.
Academic CV
Focused on educational achievements academic CVs are used when applying for lecturing or
research-based roles.
Although there's no page limit, it's important to keep your CV concise and targeted to the role's
requirements, with each section in reverse chronological order. Your academic achievements,
research interests and specialist skills should be placed on the first page. Ensure that your
writing style is scholarly but clearly understood to those outside of your field of interest.
Include details of your specialist skills, research outcomes, potential future developments, and
any funding or grants that you've received, conferences that you've attended, professional
memberships that you've gained and publications that you've been featured in.
Teaching CV
To make your teaching CV stand out you should highlight the qualifications and experience
you've gained, including:

• details of your teacher training

• relevant modules from your degree/postgraduate course
• details of school experience, prioritising where it's in the age range you want to teach
• any other teaching experience e.g. sports coaching, summer camps or youth groups
• relevant voluntary experience
• interests relevant to teaching e.g. musical abilities or sporting activities
• skills that will be useful in the role e.g. leadership, IT and languages
• details of two current referees, such as one from your teacher training and one from
teaching practice.

Local authorities and schools usually follow 'safer recruitment procedures' and so ask all
applicants to complete a standard application form. That way no-one can hide information,
which may be possible in a cleverly written CV.
Technical CV for IT jobs
An IT CV, also known as a technical CV, can be used to apply for roles such as web developer,
IT consultant, software tester or applications developer.
Include an introductory paragraph which mentions your technical expertise and experience and
incorporate a 'key skills' heading which will allow for more detail when discussing technical
competencies.
While you might be tempted to showcase all your technical abilities at once, ensure that you
highlight relevant skills first and foremost. You should also bear in mind that the document will
need to be understood by non-technical people such as HR managers.
Use this CV template to focus on your:

• ability to maintain existing software applications and develop new ones

• experience of applying technical standards, theories and techniques
• problem-solving capabilities
• communication skills.
 Jo Smith
54 Long Street, Anytown, XP9 8JQ
jpsmith99@gmail.com

1
07777888999

Chronological CV example
I am a final-year maths undergraduate with customer service and sales experience in the energy
industry. As a tutor and maths club coordinator I can explain maths concepts to all ages and
abilities. I am keen to use my maths and commercial skills to train as an energy industry analyst.

Education and qualifications

1. A concise statement demonstrating your motivation is a good way to start.

2
University of Birmingham (2014-2017)
BSc (Hons) Mathematics. Predicted 2:1.
Modules included mathematical modelling, mathematics in industry,
real and complex analysis and mathematical finance. 2. List relevant modules only.
Any Town High School (2006-2013)
A-levels: maths, physics, chemistry. AS-level geography. 3. An employer will be interested in any experience within their field, at whatever level.
9 GCSEs including English language and English literature.

3
Employment 4. Not only does this show that you were successful in your job but also that
Inbound customer service adviser, Energex UK call centre (2014-2016) you understand the importance of targets in business.
• Helping customers assess energy costs and tariffs

• Meeting and exceeding sales targets consistently4

• Ensuring quality and compliance standards during the switching process
5. Volunteering is worth including especially if it adds weight to your skills
Maths tutoring for 11+ (2013-2014) - or demonstrates skills/experience which you haven’t gained elsewhere.
• Assessing pupils level of maths and confidence in their abilities
• Preparing and delivering individual lessons. 100% pass rate of students

5
6. Include achievements as well as a short description of what you did.
Volunteering
Coordinated Year 7 and 8 lunchtime maths club (2011-2013) 7. Mentioning any sports shows another side to you.
I started Math Buzz so younger pupils could enjoy and succeed at maths. I had to publicise

6
the group and recruit members. I also had to devise a programme of weekly activities.
We had a waiting list at the end of the first term and teachers reported that pupils
were achieving more in class as a result of the club.

Activities and achievements

• Anytown High School Heads’ Award for School Service for creating and

7
running Math Buzz Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver Awards

Sports
• Member of Birmingham University Cricket 2nd XI
• Captain of Anytown School Cricket 1st XI
• Member of Anytown Rugby Club Under 18’s XV
 Mia Smithson
52 My Street, Fourtown, Fiveshire, WX59 9XW
msmithson99@gmail.com

A recent graduate with employment and voluntary experience, I have skills and attributes1
07979999777

to offer the business world including leadership, analytical thinking, problem solving,
team working and communication. I am keen to learn on a graduate programme
and to make a contribution to the organisation.

Skills-based CV example
Education and qualifications

2BA Archaeology 2:1

University of Exeter (2014-2017)

Fourtown School (2007-2014)

A-levels: history, English, French. AS level geography
Page 1 of 2
10 GCSEs including maths and double science

3
Skills 1. A brief statement at the start of your CV sets the tone and flags
Working in a team up the parts which will be of interest to the employer.
• Staff member at Starbucks fulfilling orders and providing excellent customer service
• Project assistant for Dig NW collaborating with the project team to plan Summer Dig events and
2. Be brief with your education but add any modules or projects which are relevant.
ensure each day ran smoothly
• Committee member of university Archaeology Society, devising and facilitating annual programme of
events and talks 3. Choose skills which the employer is looking for - read the job advert for clues.
• Editing and publishing newsletter for South West Branch of Council for British Archaeology
Organisation
• Successfully combining study, part-time work, volunteering and extra-curricular activities
• Coordinating well-received archaeological events for Dig NW and the university Archaeological Society.
Summer Dig participants commented, ‘What a well-organised day. It rekindled my interest in archae-
ology’. ‘It was so exciting finding real pieces of ancient pottery’. ‘Mia showed me how to interpret and
care for the pottery we found’
Negotiation
• As staff student liaison for my course year I negotiated changes to the seminar timetable to enable
better use of available rooms and IT
• As chair of the university Archaeological Society I negotiated event programmes with colleagues and
staff, booking speakers, agreeing terms and negotiating budgets
Written communication
• Writing articles for non-archaeologists for local Archaeology Branch newsletter
• Report writing as project assistant to Dig NW Summer Digs
• For my university course, producing essays, reports, seminar papers to strict guidelines
 Verbal communication
• Dealing with customers at Starbucks, including complaints referred by junior staff, as well as communi-
cating with staff and managers
• On my university course, creating and giving presentations to large and small groups, some on my own
and others with fellow students
• As project assistant to Dig NW, briefing participants on Summer Dig event, including health and safety
inductions
• As chair of the university Archaeological Society, introducing speakers, leading panel discussions and

Skills-based CV example
chairing question sessions
Leadership
• Shift leader at Starbucks, responsible for rotas, customer experience and training new staff
• Chair of university Archaeology Society, leading committee meetings and taking a strategic lead
• Responsible for groups of adults and children

Page 2 of 2
Analytical thinking
• Applying theoretical and scientific principles and concepts
• Applying statistical and numerical techniques to process data
• Interpretation of spatial data 4. Employers may not realise that IT forms part of your subject area,

4 IT skills
• Form structured arguments supported by evidence so point it out to them.

• Competent user of Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint
• Knowledge of bespoke packages, GIS and statistical analysis and modelling tools 5. The employer will be interested in any work you have done.

Employment5
6. If you’re applying for a private sector job, it’s particularly important
Shift leader, Starbucks Exeter (2016-present)
• Organising staff rotas to ensure adequate cover for each shift
to show that you understand the business world..

6
• Supervising staff and maintaining health and safety and food hygiene standards
• Working as a member of the team to provide great customer service
• Upselling and cross-selling to maximise revenue and meet branch targets
Project assistant, Dig NW (2016-2017)
• Working with other project assistants to plan, book and coordinate Dig NW’s programme of Summer
Dig events for members of the public and school groups
• Facilitating each event, ensuring health and safety and dealing with problems and issues as they arise,
referring to project leader as necessary
• Giving talks to event participants, demonstrating archaeological techniques and handling finds

Volunteering
• Chair of University Archaeology Society
• Staff student liaison for my course
• Newsletter Editor for South West Branch of Council for British Archaeology
 Krishna Hunt
10 Wheathouse Close, Cheltenham,GL111AZ, Gloucestershire
khunt@zmail.com

1
07777000000

Example of a teaching CV
Dedicated and professional English and modern languages tutor with strong communication
skills now seeking a graduate teaching assistant role. I am an Oxford University graduate with
a 2:2 in French and Spanish, combined with on-going school experience, demonstrating excellent
leadership, organisation and planning skills. Living and teaching in France during the university
placement year fostered a love of teaching, making a difference in the lives of those students

Page 1 of 2
who may not believe they have the potential to achieve

2
Work experience
Private tutor and team leader, English and modern languages:
1. Include a brief personal statement which highlights the teaching skills
Gloucester Tuition Center (2015-present) and experience you have and where you see your career going.
Tutoring adults and schoolchildren preparing for GCSE and A-level languages alongside managing a
small team has helped me to develop good leadership and management skills. Experience of successfully
motivating staff and students to get better results has broadened my knowledge of teaching techniques 2. Draw on the teaching experience you’ve gained. Explain what you did
and strategies to get better results. I was responsible for devising a comprehensive learning programme and how this links to the job you’re applying for.
specifically tailored to the individual requirements of each student, this includes planning lessons, keeping
records, assessing and analysing work. The role also entails drawing on strong communication skills to
provide tutees with practical and pastoral support throughout their educational or professional careers. 3. Tell the recruiter about extra-curricular activities with children and young people.

3Weekly responsibility with a Brownies unit in Gloucestershire. This involves planning and leading
Volunteer, senior Brownie leader (2015-present)
4. Highlight any experience that shows an interest in teaching and learning
activities for the group’s members as well as managing the group’s accounts, which requires
while you were at university.
4
consistent data handling and organisational abilities.

View all example CVs

English language assistant (2014)
In the third year of my degree I worked at two schools in Menton, France. This involved teaching
English vocabulary and grammar in a range of settings including one to one sessions, small groups
and classes of up to thirty pupils. Teaching a range of abilities and ages developed an awareness
of how to act as a motivating and proactive role model, engaging and supporting students.
This included devising and teaching lessons using a range of interactive resources such
as games and digital software which students found engaging.
Volunteer leader, Rainbows age 5-7 and Brownies age 7-10 (2009-2015)
Assisting, planning and leading a range of activities which often involved being creative,
positive and thinking on the spot.
 1

A range of temporary roles (2009-2015)

These included waiting tables, serving customers in busy hospitality environments and supervising shifts.
The ability to speak a number of languages was extremely useful. I developed the following skills:
• The ability to deal with pressurised situations, balancing the needs of multiple customers
and occasionally challenging behaviours
• Organisation and planning by successfully negotiating the demands of part-time work
with academic deadlines
• Supervising and training new members of staff

Example of a teaching CV
Education
University of Oxford (2011-2015)
BA (Hons) French and Spanish, 2:2.

5• Dissertation topic: Inclusive language education

• Year 4 modules included, advanced language skills (French and Spanish), European culture,
French literature

Queen Mary’s College, Cheltenham (2009-2011)

Page 2 of 2
A-levels: English Literature (A) Spanish (A) French (A)
5. Evidence how your degree relates to the role of a teacher.
Gloucester Secondary School (2006-2009)
GCSE’s: 8 A-C including maths, English, science, Spanish and French
Level 2 award in Digital applications (credit) 6. Education recruiters like to see ‘added extras’ you can bring to school life.

View all example CVs

Achievements and interests
Languages
• Living and teaching in France during my placement year helped me to develop many skills
including adaptability, resilience, patience, independence and a love of teaching
• Basic knowledge of other European languages including German, Italian and Portuguese
Musical experience

6
• Flute (grade 8), piano (grade 5) and music theory (grade 5)
• University of Oxford concert band
• Regular performer with the Gloucester Concert band, Queen Mary’s choir and student
run Soul Band. Performances at well-known venues such as Gloucester Cathedral,
the Cheltenham Jazz Festival and the HMV institute Birmingham
• Redeemer Church Gloucester: band member on Sunday mornings (keyboard or vocalist)
Student representative
• Student representative for the BA Languages programmes for three years.
This taught me the value and power of the student voice in a learning organisation

References available on request

 Zara Fahar
263 London Road, Highbridge, Nowhereshire, XP9 8JQ
zfahar99@gmail.com
07567567567

as well as practical and business skills from my industrial year in a software company in Germany.1
Due to graduate in 2017, I have acquired technical knowledge and skills from my course

Technical CV example
I have used a range of languages, operating systems and development tools as well as experiencing
the system development life cycle. Specialising in mobile technology, I am keen to develop
as a graduate trainee in software development.

Education

Page 1 of 2
University of Bedfordshire (2013-2017)
BSc Computer Science and Software Engineering with industrial year. Predicted 2:1.
Modules include object oriented programming, mobile applications, AI and systems development.
Third-year industry placement: Mehrmann Technologies, Essen, Germany (2015-2016). 1. Mention anything which makes you stand out from other candidates.
Placement year individual project: Stock control systems for wholesale food suppliers. It’ll catch the readers eye and encourage them to look at the rest of your CV.
Final-year group project: Development of a mobile application for the hospitality sector.
Highbridge College (2011-2013)
2. Listing your GCSE subjects shows you’re an all-rounder.
BTEC Level 3 ICT
A-level maths

7 GCSEs in English language, maths, science, German, IT, PE, history. 2

Highbridge School (2006-2011) 3. Tell the employer the systems, packages, languages, etc you’ve used on
your course, on your placement - and anywhere else that you have worked.

3
IT Skills
• Development tools: LabVIEW, MATLAB, Simulink, WINDEV/WEBDEV, OrCAD, MPLAB and ModelSim
• Packages: MS Office, Dreamweave and Photoshop
• Programming Languages: Java, C++, SQL, TLearn and HTML
• Operating Systems: Android, iOS, Windows and Linux

Other training/skills
• PRINCE2
• BCS Foundation Certificate in Systems Development
• Conversational German, including technical and business
 Employment
Junior software developer, Mehrmann Technologies, Essen, Germany (2015-2016)
• Systems analysis with clients to determine requirements - talking to managers and staff
and observing work practices throughout the supply chain
• Analysis of data including modelling
• Part of a software development team creating a stock control system linking
mobile devices to warehouse systems
• Demonstrating prototypes to staff
• Field testing, implementation and evaluation

Technical CV example
• Participating in final project reporting
• Contributing to English language documentation and training
Bar assistant, Ship and Crown, Luton (2014-2015)
• Serving customers
• Keeping bar area tidy and well-stocked

Page 2 of 2
• Maintaining health and safety and food hygiene standards
Retail assistant, Primark, Highbridge (2011-2013)
• Tidying stock on the shop floor
• Restocking shelves and rails
4. Include something about your interests if you have space. If you are short
• Serving customers at till points of space, leave this information out - your technical knowledge, skills,

4 Sports and interests

• Dealing with customer queries on the shop floor
experience and employment are more important.

• University of Bedfordshire Second XI Hockey Captain

• University of Bedfordshire Athletics Squad 800m and 1500m
• Highbridge College Hockey Team (winners of Midlands College Cup)
• Highbridge School Hockey First XI Captain
• Represented Nowhereshire in 1500m U16 and U18
• Running 10k and half marathon events raising over £6,500 for Highbridge Children’s Hospice
• Organising and hosting charity comedy nights in aid of Highbridge Children’s Hospice

References available on request