CV Sections
Below is a list of sections that you can include in your CV. Check against you selected format and the example CVs below to decide which are the most appropriate for you.
Remember you don't have to stick rigidly to your selected format. There is no right or wrong way, just the way that best works for you. Here are suggestions of some or all of the headings that we advise should be included:
You do not have to include pictures unless specifically asked to do so.
Personal Details
- Name
- Address
- Contact telephone numbers (home, work, mobile)
- Email
- Date of Birth
- Driving License and whether it is clean
- Nationality (if you are applying abroad)
It is unnecessary to put marital status and gender.
Education and Qualifications
List you education and qualifications in reverse chronological order (the most recent first), including grades and dates. For example:
- BSc (Hons) Physics, 2.2, University of Birmingham, 1997-2000
- GCE A Levels: Physics (A), Chemistry (A), Maths (A), Hertfordshire School, 1995-1997
- GCSEs: Physics (A), Chemistry (A), Maths (A), Biology (B), English (B), Geography (B), French (B), History (C), Hertfordshire School, 1993-1995
It is unnecessary to put:
Individual subjects studied at GCSE if you have gone on to obtain a degree, just listing the number and grades achieved will be sufficient
- University and school addresses
- A Level and GCSE exam boards
- Minor qualifications, you can list these elsewhere
You may wish to list modules that you studied as part of your university degree if they are particularly relevant to the position you are applying for.
Employment History
Concentrate on your two most recent jobs as these are the ones the employer will be most interested in.
Start with you most recent position. You should include:
- Your job title (e.g. Manager, Supervisor etc.)
- The job title of the person you reported to
- The dates of you employment
- The name of the company
- A brief description of the service provided by the company
- Your main responsibilities, achievements, duties and skills
Remember to give examples to back up skills and experience. Choose examples that are most appropriate to the new position you are applying for.
Professional Qualifications and Training
If you have any other relevant qualifications or qualifications you gained while in employment that are relevant to the new position then list these in a separate section.
- List all professional qualifications
- Membership to any professional bodies and professional ID numbers
- Work related training courses
- Company courses
Work Experience / Unpaid Employment
This will be particularly important if you are at the beginning of your career and don't have an extensive employment history yet.
If you have done work experience in a company that has a similar service or product to that which you are applying for:
- Explain your responsibilities
- Detail skills and knowledge that you acquired
Other Relevant Experience / Skills
Again this will be most important to those who have not been working for very long.
Include:
- Part-time jobs
- Vacation work
- Charity work, but only if it is relevant to the position you are applying for, otherwise include this in the Hobbies and Interests section
- Any other appropriate skills you have acquired through means other than academic work or employment
- Membership of student committees, organising social events, involvement in the wider community, etc. You could put these under a separate "Responsibilities" heading if appropriate.
IT Skills
IT skills are becoming increasingly important in almost every job and workplace so it is a good idea to list any skills that you have in a separate section:
- Make and type of equipment you are familiar with
- Software and operating system used (e.g. Microsoft Office, Microsoft Windows XP etc.)
- Typing speed (in words per minute, you would normally be tested for this when registering with a recruitment agency)
Languages
If it is appropriate to the job for which you are applying then list your skills in any foreign languages. State whether they are written, spoken business or technical and indicate your level of fluency, for example: fluent, good working knowledge, etc.
Hobbies and Interests
Not everyone agrees on whether hobbies and interests should be included on a CV. Some argue that it just uses up valuable space and the fact that you starred in the Marlow Amateur Dramatics Society production of 'Evita' has very little bearing on your ability to perform well in the given position. On the other hand others say that your interests say a lot about your personality and how you might fit into the company.
If you do decide to include your hobbies and interests:
- Be specific, don't just say "drama" or "football" include more information e.g. I am a keen footballer and play regularly for my local Sunday league team
- List any positions of responsibility you hold or held in a club or organisation
- Explain your achievements and any relevant skills gained
References
There is no need to name references on your CV merely state that "references are available on request".
But you should decide before you send your CV w?o will act as your references and obtain their permission.
If you are writing a Student/Graduate CV you should aim for one academic and one other referee. These should be included on your CV
Profile
This often appears at the beginning of a CV. It summarises experience, skills and ambitions. A profile is most appropriate for people in mid-career, however anyone can use one and it is a good way to attract the attention of the reader and explain straightaway what it is that you are capable of and what you are looking for in a career.
Your Profile should be contained within four to six lines and only list those skills that are appropriate to your next employer.
For example:
Highly motivated Office Manager with five years experience in administration. Able to work on own initiative and as part of a team. Proven leadership and communication skills, involving organising, managing and developing office administration team to achieve their objectives. Exceptional computer, writing and numeracy skills.
Key Skills
Again it is not necessary to include a Key Skills section unless you feel that it is particularly appropriate. You can use your covering letter to draw together your capabilities that are evidenced across your employment history, experience etc.
However, a Key Skills section can reinforce to the employer your suitability and capability for the position and may increase your chances of being invited to interview.
If you do include a Key Skills section:
- Choose 4 or 5 key skills
- Make sure that they are appropriate to the position for which you are applying
- Explain each one briefly providing practical examples
- Be careful not to oversell yourself