How to write a CV
Writing a CV is a way to tell a recruiter all about you, your skills and experience - and hopefully persuade them to invite you to an interview. Here are our tips for writing a CV that will stand out to employers.
About
A CV is a document that summarises your experience, achievements, knowledge and skills. It can be the first stage of an application for a job or further study. You can also use it as a way of introducing yourself to potential employers.
Your CV will be shaped by your personal experience, qualifications and skills, and it will grow and change with you. It is often the first chance you have to make an impression and make yourself stand out.
Read on for our tips on writing a CV that will stand out to employers.
Chronological CV
Chronological CVs list your education and experience in reverse chronological order. They start with the most recent and working backwards. This is the most common style of CV and is more suited to new graduates. It's also generally preferred by employers.
- Example chronological CV (PDF: 136 KB)
Skills-based CV
Skills-based CVs can be useful if your degree subject and work experience are not related to the role. This is because they allow you to show that you have relevant transferable skills. This is useful for experienced graduates who want to change career direction. However, for new graduates, we'd usually suggest a chronological CV rather than skills-based.
- Example skills-based CV (PDF: 143 KB)
Part-time job CV
For most part-time roles, work experience would come before your education in your CV.
- Example part-time job CV (PDF: 118KB)
Sector-specific CVs
Our example CVs below can give you ideas of what to include to tailor your CV for specific sectors, as well as how to structure your CV.
- Architecture (PDF 158KB)
- Accounting (PDF 137 KB)
- Biomedical Sciences (PDF 144KB)
- Computing CV (PDF 133KB)
- Creative Art (PDF 146KB)
- Environmental Science CV (PDF 147KB)
- History (PDF 168KB)
- Marketing with Masters (PDF 149KB)
- Mechanical Engineering (PDF 158KB)
You can find more CV templates and advice for various sectors, including:
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