| 1 |
Experience |
An employer reading your CV is trying to measure potential, but experience counts even more - this could be work, travel, time out… Indicate what kind of challenges you faced, what you learned, and what you achieved. |
| 2 |
Skills |
Be honest, which means being neither bragging nor hiding your light under a bushel. Identify your skills and state your level of competence. Give examples of what you have done with these skills (e.g. leading an expedition of 10 people for a 20 mile trek…). |
| 3 |
Key Achievements |
Make sure that you include achievements. Think about your accomplishments in different contexts - study, work, leisure time, voluntary activities. Try to present your achievements in interesting terms, explaining them as 3-step narratives if necessary - (1) The problem I faced, (2) My contribution, (3) The outcome. |
| 4 |
Qualifications |
Don't assume that an employer is automatically interested in your academic achievements. Explain, but most of all translate so that a recruiter understands what you studied and how your learning experiences relate to the wider world. Don't overemphasise poor results. |
| 5 |
Education & Continuing Professional Development |
Don't forget to include details about non-academic courses and training, even if you did not receive a certificate. If you have the skills but not the qualifications, give an indication of what you have achieved with them (e.g. producing a complex spreadsheet). |
| 6 |
Work History |
What do you actually do? What problems did you solve? Look at any work you have ever done and find a way to communicate the skills you used and the contribution you made. Include reference to temporary work, work experience, workplace visits… |
| 7 |
Support Skills |
Think about the support skills you can offer, and an employer's expectations (e.g. IT, word processing, customer service or sales skills). Don't miss out anything, particularly IT skills. Indicate your standard of competence. |
| 8 |
Fields of Work |
Work out what kind of work interests you. Research work sectors carefully - find out the unconventional entry routes, and where this sector is going over the next 2 years. Communicate enthusiasm to employers, and- show that you really want to work in their field, not that they happen to be the first to have a vacancy. |
| 9 |
Interests |
Include a good range. An employer won't expect you to have a long work history, but will expect you to be a rounded person with an interesting life outside work. Think of interests and activities that include other people or develop skills which might be relevant to work. Be prepared to talk about any interests you mention, enthusiastically, for at least 3-4 minutes. |
| 10 |
Profile |
Begin your CV with a good profile. This is a short paragraph of no more than 4 sentences saying what sort of role you have in mind, your current role or position, your key experience to date, and what you can offer an employer in broad terms. Avoid flowery adjectives or claims you can't support. |
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