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Particular CV styles can help to highlight your relevant strengths, depending on your experiences to date. Many people find a combination of styles effective. All CVs should be targeted either to meet the requirements of an advertised vacancy or, if you’re making a speculative approach, to appeal to a particular employer. This is the most familiar format, outlining your experiences in reverse chronological order with sections for education, experience and achievements. It’s easy to organise and demonstrates how you’ve progressed over time. However, it may not be as suitable if you’ve changed jobs frequently, have disparate experiences or are looking to change career direction. Have a look at the sample Chronological CV. This CV is targeted at the sample job advert for Game for a Laugh and would be sent with the Standard covering letter. back to top This CV focuses on demonstrating evidence of relevant skills. Use relevant skill headings to present your evidence - educational and work experience descriptions are kept brief. This style of CV is more difficult to organise but, if you focus on the right skills, it can show you’ve considered the needs of the employer. Have a look at the Skills-based CV. This CV is targeted at the sample job advert for Game for a Laugh and would be sent with the Standard covering letter. back to top This type of targeted CV differs mainly in the degree of emphasis given to knowledge and academic achievements. For an academic or research career, appropriate headings might include: - dissertation and/or research abstracts;
- research interests and/or areas of expertise;
- teaching and/or administrative experience;
- publications;
- presentations or conferences attended;
- professional memberships;
- fellowships and awards.
(See Academic CV.) Remember that your research interests should be comprehensible to people outside your field but scholarly enough to interest fellow researchers. Lastly, try not to neglect your transferable skills and use a professional layout. Academic employers want academic staff who are motivated team players, and can manage projects, bring in funding and communicate concisely and professionally. For further information on marketing a PhD effectively, see Your PhD ... What Next? If you’re a postgraduate but not looking for an academic career, your CV should follow an alternative layout. back to top Electronic CVs (ESCVs)When submitting a CV online, be aware of who will see it. - Is your formatting readable by all IT packages?
- Will an elaborate layout travel electronically?
- Will a generic CV template used by an online agency be sufficiently targeted to your preferred career?
Some recruiters use scanning equipment for CVs submitted online, so try to consider any key criteria or attributes they may be looking for. A company will usually warn you in advance if they're using this system. - The system extracts key data such as name, address, phone number, skills and qualifications, previous employers and positions.
- Data relating to your qualification levels, competencies and specific and transferable skills are matched with requirements for the job on offer.
- Make sure that you’re using key words and phrases that would be relevant to your chosen vocational area.
- See power words for advice on useful words and phrases to use.
- Use a normal typeface such as Times New Roman or Arial.
- Do not use underlining or italics.
Try to establish the policy regarding the privacy of your personal details. Some people prefer just to submit an email address or a hyperlink to their own website. Be aware that there are some bogus sites listing fictitious vacancies, which forward your CV to hundreds of employers. Look for established user protection with password controls.
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