Sometimes it seems like the hardest part of writing a CV is collecting the information in the first place – what’s needed and how much?
Although you may encounter a number of different CV formats during your journey to a new career, here’s a start with the main headings to use in your CV (irrespective of format) and a brief description of the level of detail needed under each of these headings.
Personal Data
Include name, address. E-mail and, if appropriate, home, office and mobile telephone numbers on the front page.
Profile or Summary
Only include one if you are sure it adds to your CV.
Dates of Employment
Normally the year is enough, for less experienced individuals, it may be appropriate to include the month. Any gaps in employment need to be explained, otherwise recruiters and even CV scanning systems will assume the worst.
Job Titles
State title and clarify ambiguities.
Career History
Try to substantiate your work experience with specific achievements and benefits. Highlight your strengths through carefully chosen examples.
Company Information
Provide name of company and, unless well know, state what they do and the size of operation together. If the work was overseas, it is also worth adding location.
Date of Birth
Put the day, month and year and also include your age – it saves the reader having to work it out. Employers often state age limits, so if there is a possibility of being screened out at first glance, put age at the end of the CV.
Education
Highest or most relevant qualification first and with the most detail. Includes dates and institutions. Except for school or college leavers, give only the number of ‘O’ Levels/GCSEs. Mention any professional qualifications.
Courses Attended
State no more than five relevant courses you have attended. Name any major centres of excellence.
Languages
Only mention languages in which you are proficient – either spoken or written.
Professional Memberships
State current memberships, including any posts held. As with courses, use your discretion and include only the most interesting and relevant.
Interests
Try to balance intellectual vs physical and group vs individual pastimes.
Marital Status
Convention dictates you say what it is. There are differing views about you saying you are single/divorced/separated or number of children.
What not to include
Height; weight; state of health; religious or political beliefs; excessive personal details – e.g.. Children’s names; photographs; special presentation methods – e.g.. Binders; abbreviations or jargon; copies of references or qualifications; referees names; last or expected salary; reason for leaving job; over-embellishment, distortion or avoidance of facts.
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