Overview
A well-written CV is your first opportunity to make a great impression and secure an interview. This guide provides essential tips to help your CV stand out to employers.
What to Include in Your CV
1. Personal Details
Your personal details should be minimal. Simply include your full name and contact information (email and phone number) at the top. You can also add a brief, concise personal statement to capture the employer's attention.
2. Work Experience and Education
Tailor the order: Prioritize the section that is most relevant to the job. If a job requires a specific degree, put Education first. If it emphasizes work history, lead with Work Experience.
Format: List your experience and education with the most recent at the top. Include job titles, company names, and employment dates.
Details: Use short paragraphs or bullet points to describe your duties, skills, and achievements. Keep this information relevant to the role you are applying for.
3. Layout and Length
Be concise: Keep your CV to a maximum of two or three pages.
Keep it clean: Ensure the entire document uses the same font and size. Paragraphs should be consistently aligned.
References: State "References available on request" at the bottom of the last page.
What NOT to Include
To avoid bias and adhere to legal requirements, do not include the following details on your CV:
A headshot: This is not standard practice in the UK.
Age or date of birth: Your age is protected under the Equality Act 2010 and is not relevant to your ability to do the job.
Marital status or dependents: Like your age, this is protected information under the Equality Act 2010 and is not a factor in hiring decisions.