CVs and covering letters : Example CVs

This is the traditional CV format which directly links your education, work experience, achievements and interests to your relevant skills. Experiences are listed in reverse chronological order (i.e. your most recent studies and jobs are shown first). 

This format is particularly effective if you have relevant experience because it highlights:

• what you have done;
• who you have worked for;
• how you have progressed.

See the sample chronological CV.

In this type of CV you briefly list your education, work experience, achievements and interests in one section and outline your relevant skills in a separate ‘skills profile’.

CVs with well-targeted skills profiles are particularly effective when:

• your experiences are not obviously relevant;
• you have changed jobs frequently;
• you have a wide range of experiences;
• you are looking to change career direction.

This is because your skills profile shows that you have addressed the needs of the employer and you have gained all the transferrable skills required.

See the sample skills-based CV.

If you are looking for a research role you should demonstrate your relevant academic knowledge and achievements. Your headings could be:

• dissertation;
• research abstracts;
• research interests;
• areas of expertise;
• teaching experience;
• administrative experience;
• publications;
• presentations;
• conferences attended;
• professional memberships;
• fellowships and awards.

Have a look at the academic CV.

Remember - your research interests should be comprehensible to people outside your field but scholarly enough to interest fellow researchers.

Do not neglect your transferable skills and always 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 are a postgraduate but not looking for an academic career, your CV should follow an alternative layout.