Curriculum Vitae (CV) literally means ‘course of life’. It is a document containing a chronological description of your work experience, educational background, professional development, skills and relevant interests.

It is worth taking time to consider the content and layout of your CV. A good CV should sell you to a prospective employer by describing your skills, abilities and highlighting your achievements. Most employers receive many CV’s for each vacancy so you will need to make yours one the prospective employer picks up and reads.

Content and Layout
There is no specified layout for a CV however a multicoloured CV with different styles of text may be seen as a sign of immaturity and will not go down well with the busy manager having to short list candidates. There is scope for you to be original but you should try to include the following headings.

Presentation

First impressions count so make sure;

It is clear and concise
It is typed
It is on good quality paper
Grammar and spelling are correct
It is divided into sections, with bullet pointed subsections
Avoid fancy borders and type faces

Keeping it up to Date

You never know when the ideal post will become vacant but if you keep your CV current you will always be ready to apply for it. Remember to add any further modules or staff development programmes you have undertaken, additional skills you have acquired and any projects you have been involved in. Remember skills you have acquired in one post can often be utilised in other posts. As your CV grows with the range of experiences you have then the advice of Pantry and Griffiths (1999) is to tailor your CV to the post you are applying for. In a short time you may well attend fifty study events of various kinds and, at a more senior level your publication record may be impressive. But rather than including every detail you may be wise to mention the overall figure and then match selected achievements to the person specifications or other requirements for the post.

What not to include in your CV

Avoid using “Curriculum Vitae” as the title, instead use your name
Do not use abbreviations, jargon, humour or irony
Reasons for leaving posts
The addresses of your referees. Put these on the application form after obtaining their permission
Anything misleading or fraudulent such as qualifications you do not have