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CV Template (Word Version) : CV Template (Text Version)

The layout of the CV can vary and is up to you, but there is certain information that must be included. If possible, keep the CV to no more than four pages and do not include images/photos, the details below make up the standard layout for a CV (the majority of CVs are scanned into a database, which is programmed to select keywords from the body of the CV. It makes sense therefore, to include wording that you want to be included when the database is searching through your CV).

• Name in full – this can be used as the heading, rather than Curriculum Vitae or Resume (it is obvious what it is!).

• Full postal address, include counties/states in full and post/zip codes.

• Telephone numbers with STD code (daytime and evening numbers if possible and state whether each number is a direct line, switchboard or answerphone). Also include Mobile/Cell phone numbers and your email address.

• Personal details, i.e. marital status, driving licence (if you have a full, clean driving licence, say so), date of birth {optional} (if the date of birth is not stated on the CV, whoever is reading the CV will usually work out the date of birth and this can often be out by a number of years).

• List all education from secondary school onwards. Start with college or university, then secondary school.

• Name schools, colleges and/or universities with the location (there is no need for the full address).

• List qualifications achieved.

• List any specialist training courses attended that are relevant to the job.

• Languages, stating how well you can speak or write them.

• It is always a good idea to highlight your key skills on the first page. Very often you will have the experience and skills for the job, but these will be hidden in the employment details. A prospective employer, (who may have dozens of CVs to look through), may not take the time to read through all the employment history if he cannot see straight away the 'words' he is looking for. If necessary, these key skills can be adjusted to bring out the skills for the specific position you are applying for.

• List all employment, with the most recent jobs first, the start and finish dates, job title, company name, industry.

• List your key responsibilities, achievements and results for each job using bullet points. It is not necessary to put these, but if you do, keep it brief and factual and try to get across something of your personality. Try to show hobbies that underline skills useful to the job, for example, sports show health and fitness; chairman of a society shows leadership; secretary of a team shows organisation.

• A CV should always be accompanied by a covering letter, even if the advertisement does not ask for one.

• The letter should be a maximum of one page.

• Note whether the advertisement asks for a hand-written letter, if not, word-process the letter in the same style as the CV. Address it to the relevant person rather than Dear Sir/Madam.

• State what job you are applying for and where it was advertised with a reference number if stated.

• Where appropriate, show in your comments that you have researched the company, product, market etc.

• Outline why you want the job and state any skills that are directly relevant to the job.

• Include any relevant information that is not covered in your CV such as availability, notice required etc (do not duplicate information).

• As always, check that there are no spelling mistakes.

• Keep a copy for your reference.