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CVs and cover letters

Example CVs
Pick the right type of CV to highlight your skills and experiences in the best possible way to employers The most common mistake when creating a CV is to prepare a standard CV and then send it to all recruiters and for all types of job without amending it to suit the particular job or recruiter. This can be problematic because you risk your CV looking impersonal and standardised. It could also lead to you not presenting your learning, skills and interests in a targeted way. Traditional CV The traditional CV, sometimes known as a chronological CV is used to match your qualifications and work experience with the requirements for the job role. The CV is structured in reverse chronological order i.e. the most recent qualifications and experience are listed first. This type of CV makes it easy for employers to identify potential candidates. This format allows you to provide clear details of your qualifications, work history and responsibilities which match the criteria provided in the job description. It's important to include: dates - cover any gaps in your history; qualifications and work experience - match these to the role you're applying for; additional skills and knowledge - cover essential criteria for the role. See our example of a traditional CV.

Skills-based CV The skills-based CV, also known as a functional CV, can be used if you have gaps in your employment history. This type of CV is also useful if you have limited experience or you are applying for a job which is not related to your degree subject. Employability skills are transferable to different roles and employers. The skills-based CV allows you to focus on the skills you have developed in various areas of your life. It's important to: position your skills profile prominently; match skills with the role profile and use the same headings; provide evidence of how you've used your skill in a real life situation.

See our example of a

skills-based CV.

Academic CV Academic CVs are focused on your academic achievements and are used when applying for lecturing or research-based roles, including postdoctoral research. Although there is no page limit, it's important to keep your CV concise and targeted to the requirements of the role. Your research and academic achievements, research interest and specialist skills should be placed on the first page, if possible. Ensure your writing style is scholarly but clearly understood to those outside your field of interest. Each section should be in reverse chronological order. Remember to include: your research outcomes and future developments; details of your specialist skills; funding, awarded grants, conferences attended, professional memberships and publications. For more information, see our example of an academic CV.

To find out how to market 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. Teaching CV A teaching CV should only focus on the qualifications and experience you have gained which are directly relevant to the post you are applying for, you should include: teacher training qualifications; relevant modules that apply to the post you're applying for; briefly list other qualifications; details of school experience; any other teaching experience e.g. sports coaching, youth groups; any voluntary experience; any interests relevant to teaching e.g. leadership skills; any skills that will be useful in the role e.g. IT skills, language skills; details of two referees, both referees should know you through your teacher training or teaching practice. For more information, see our example of a teaching CV.

To find out more about teaching, see teaching and education.

To find out more about what information to include in a CV, see how to write a CV and cover letters. If you are a student, ask your university careers and employability service to check your CV and cover letter for you. Written by Editor, Graduate Prospects Date: April 2013

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