How to write a CV

Why do I need a CV?

Getting an interview can depend on how good your CV is. It's your chance to show an employer you've got the skills and experience needed, and that you're the right person for the job.

I've never written a CV before - where do I start?

Firstly, you'll need to think about:

• what to include
• how much detail is needed
• how to make your CV stand out from all the others

Where can I get help?

You can get advice on how to improve your CV, or write your first CV, from the Careers Advice Service career coaches. You can call them on 08080 100 333. Lines are open 8am to 10pm, seven days a week.

Not able to get to the phone right now? You can also email an adviser or request a call back at a time to suit you.

Try our online CV Builder

Check out the Careers Advice Service CV Builder. It can help you build your own CV in just 12 steps.

Or, as a start, follow these guidelines:

How long should it be?
Your winning CV should be:

• easy to read with space between each section
• no more than two pages long - only senior executives with a lot of experience should have longer CVs.

You may wonder how to fit everything into 2 pages but you can free up space by leaving certain things out or by being brief about others that are less important. For example, it's not necessary to put 'CV' or 'Curriculum Vitae' at the top.

What should I definitely include?
Start with your personal details; your name, address and contact details. It's up to you whether you include your age, marital status and nationality - it's not essential.

Tailoring your CV to the job
Your CV shouldn't be your life story but should be tailored for the job you're applying for, focusing on the parts that are important. Look at the job advert or the person specification and think about what the job involves, and what the employer is asking for. Take some time to find out about the main activities of the employer.

Your personal profile
Underneath your personal details, your 'Personal Profile' outlines your:

• skills and qualities
• work background and achievements.

It should only be a few lines but must spark the reader's interest. For example, if the job involves working with people, you could say you're a good team-worker and an effective communicator. Be brief - you can highlight examples of your skills in later sections.

Education and work experience
This part of your CV depends on your background and the type of job you're applying for. Some jobs require experience, while for others your qualifications are more important. If you've been working for a while, put your employment history first; if you're younger and don't have much work experience, focus on your education and training.

Employment history
Start with your present or most recent job and work backwards, using bullet points. Include:

• each employer
• the dates you worked for them
• the job title
• your main duties

Employers want to see how your experience will be useful to them, so be brief about jobs that are totally different from the one you're applying for. Relevant jobs should be listed in more detail, showing not only your main duties and responsibilities but giving examples of the skills you used and what you achieved. This is the information the employer uses when deciding whether to interview you or not. Your employment history shows your experience and suitability for the job. Include useful information but leave out anything that's not relevant.

Relate your skills and experience to the job description and what the employer is looking for. Also include any relevant temporary or unpaid work. Avoid unexplained gaps in your employment history, as employers may think you have something to hide! You can provide reasons for them further on where necessary.

Education and training
Start with your most recent study and go back to the qualifications you got at school. Using bullet points or a table include:

• the university, college or school you went to
• the dates the qualifications were awarded and any grades
• any other courses, if they're relevant.

Hobbies and interests
Some employers like to read about your interests, as it can give them an idea of your strengths and what you'd be like to work alongside. As with your employment history, it should be relevant in some way to the job. For example, if you're involved in any clubs or societies this can show that you enjoy meeting new people. People often put on their CV that they enjoy cooking or reading, but these activities are too general and widespread to be of interest to an employer.

Additional information
If you need to add anything else that's relevant, such as a gap in your employment history for travel or family reasons, you could include a further section titled 'Additional Information' after your interests to explain this.

References
Finally, you should state that references are available if required, although you don't need to include referees' contact details on the CV. At least one referee should be work-related; or if you haven't worked for a while, some other responsible person who has known you for quite a while.

How should it be presented?

Print your CV on white A4 paper, using just one style and font. It should be concise and easy to read. Check it for spelling and grammar mistakes. You can use a computer spelling and grammar check but it's also good idea to get it checked by somebody else.

A common mistake is to use bold type everywhere. It's good for section headings such as 'Employment History' or 'Education' but many people use it to highlight dates and previous employers' names - this draws the reader's eye away from what's important.

What are the different styles of CV?

There are four main styles:

• chronological CV - the most widely used, listing work history then education in reverse order
• functional - has a section near the beginning that describes skills and abilities acquired through many jobs. Often used by those who've had a very varied career
• targeted - similar to the functional CV, and useful for those with varied or patchy employment histories
• alternative CV - for jobs requiring creative flair.

Examples of different CV styles can be found on the following websites.

• totaljobs.com
• cvspecial.co.uk
• workthing.com
• alec.co.uk
• bradleycvs.co.uk

More tips on writing a good CV

Do

• use positive language - when describing your work achievements use power "doing" words like "launched", "managed" and "improved". Quote figures if possible to back up your claims.
• use good quality paper - first impressions count!
• use a word processor on a computer - typed or written CVs won't impress
• include other skills that might be useful to an employer - driving, languages, IT skills etc

Don't

• lie - employers have ways of checking what you put is true, and may sack you if they take you on and find out you've lied to them
• include a photo unless requested

Need some help?

Get in-depth advice to help you write your CV from a career coach on the Careers Advice Service helpline - ring 0800 100 900. The service is available seven days a week from 8am - 10pm. You can also email an adviser.