How should I present my CV?
Sections to Include
Your CV can be structured in as many sections as you consider appropriate. A list of suggested section headings is shown below.
• Personal Details
• Languages
• Profile
• Achievements
• Education and Qualifications
• Professional Qualifications and Training
• Employment History
• Internships and Work Experience
• Relevant Experience and Skills
• IT Skills
• Interests and Activities
• References
The section headings that you choose can be structured in any order. The main thing to consider when planning your layout is to prioritise the presentation of key skills, experience and achievements.
Ultimately, the design must be tailored to ensure a positive impact on the prospective employer.
The Profile section, we believe, is one of the most important ways to make an optimum initial impression on the reader. It is a summary of your skills and experience and it is the key to securing an interview!
Example Profile
"Highly motivated German-speaking Accounts Assistant, with experience of Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and intercompany transaction processing. Well organised with excellent communication skills. Good IT skills including SAP and Oracle, seeking further experience in General Ledger and month-end reporting."
Contact Details and CorrespondenceIt sounds simple, but it is very important to make sure the contact details included on your CV are accurate. Any errors or omissions here will reduce your prospects significantly.
It is also advisable to have a professional sounding email address for your CV and job applications. An email address that has your name and Internet provider would be most suitable for this purpose (e.g. jjsmith@gmail.com). Humorous or irreverent email addresses may be entertaining for your friends but are unlikely to be favoured by a potential employer!
Most CVs are now received via email. The following points will ensure your email has the best chance of being noticed and receiving a response.
• Email subject line clearly stating that you are sending a job application, alongside the title of the role and relevant reference number.
• Ensure the attached CV document is in a common and user-friendly format, ideally Microsoft Word.
• The email can include a covering note or letter, which should be concise and professional.