Structure of a Cv

[Arthur_Jay]

Hey guys,

I know there is always a lot of talk on here regarding Cv's, but there hasn't been one conclusive thread about the structure of a Cv. Im currently going through a complete revamp of my Cv, and im wondering a lot into the structure...Basically what to put where...and most importantly, how to start...such as with the tasty Curriculum Vitae at the top...or personal details...

So guys, how are yours? If anyone wouldnt mind send some over to me on [email protected] that would be fantastic...you can block all the details out if you wish...im only concerned about the structure...

Thanks guys, hopefully this will be able to help a few people out, not just myself

 

[cymatty]

Why not just download various CV templates from microsoft word, and see which you like the best.

 

[TheCrow]

CV

 

[Morba]

i structure mine based on the job advert. if its very specific then i put that specific relevent ino of mine near the top. if its a generic ad then they will get a generic cv.

 

[Arthur_Jay]

Why not just download various CV templates from microsoft word, and see which you like the best.

I mean less of the generic sort of microsoft set out of the Cv, and more towards what titles of info people are putting where...as im hearing something different on a daily basis...

Fitting it to the job in question is something ill obviously do info wise...but is this something to change structure wise? How exactly? Any examples?

 

[mishima]

Try here - http://www.prospects.ac.uk

Thats were I created mine, you can even submit it to them to analyse. They constructively criticise your CV and then you can alter things were you feel appropriate

 

[Tenzen]

Quite simply:

Personal Details:

age address contact numbers

Current education:

(if any) If not put your most recent qual.

Employment:

Most recent first, bulleted, explaining skills, role and responsibilities

Previous education:

The older stuff (if you have any)

Additional Skills:

Anything IT and system specific stuff here (e.g. SAP SUN etc)

Interests:

ehm..interests
_____________________________________________

All there is to it - keep it to 2 sides A4 and dont bother with references takes up space - if they want you they will ask anyway.

Keep the structure simple and easy to read - nothing fancy. bold headings and good use of keywords taileored to the role you are hoping to get.
If you are using an online CV search engine then it is critical you use these keywords so that you get picked up by propspective employees (and unfortunately recruitment agencies)


This is pretty much how i have tailored my C.V. I have always had positive responses in terms of layout and "to the point" way it is. Best thing to ask yourself is what would you want to see from a C.V. if you were going to hire someone. be clear concise and Good Luck

There now i can go back to lurking having done a good deed today.

oh yes and to start with the title of the CV is my name in bold and larg(ish) font (compared to rest of CV). this way they know your name straight away without having to read everything else and it will most likely stick in their mind if you are what they want - on otehr words dont have it hiddedn somewhere in other areas of information

 

[Arthur_Jay]

Cheers for that Tenzen...just the sort of thing I was looking for..

With the personal details, the way I have them down at the moment is as follows

Name:

DOB:

Address:

Contact Number:

Nation Insurance:

Well something like that anyway...Is there a better way to put this across, or is it ok in that similar sort of bulleted way?

Yeah I remember a thread on here about leaving references out, which ill do

As for keywords, I think ive crammed mine full of them, but I guess Ill need a bit more time to realise the best ones to put in

 

[Tenzen]

No need for NI no.

I have mine layed out like this

____________________NAMENAMENAMENAME

Address:________________________________ Date Of Birth:
_________________________________________Sex:
_________________________________________Nationality:
Telephone________________________________ Email:
Mobile:


Across the A4 page - then the various headings in the middle underneath - you can fancy it up by putting in line dividers between the headings to make them stand out etc. but above all keep it simple. I would advise to only bullet that which you will list in yoru employment details + skills. Also remember to give month/year start and end dates for your previous employment (if any)