Prepare for your future …
9.
Writing a Winning CV
Creating a powerful CV to make you
stand out from the crowd
Prepare for your future today ….
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The advice in this publication is designed to help you plan your job search
strategy.
Think about what you have read, turn it into action points and implement
them.
Good luck!
If you require a copy of this publication in
large print or another format, please
enquire at UCLan Careers Reception
This symbol is used to highlight information of relevance to
students with disabilities and/or learning difficulties
UCLan Careers
Foster Entrance Foyer



01772 895858 / 2584
www.uclan.ac.uk/careers
[email protected]
Opening hours:
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Friday:
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© Copyright licensed to the University of Central Lancashire
UCLan Careers
University of Central Lancashire
Revised 2014/Version 1
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Page 1
To request permission to reproduce any text from this booklet for commercial purposes contact:
[email protected]
Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 3
The Structure ......................................................................................................................... 3
Skills based .......................................................................................................................................... 3
Reverse Chronological ......................................................................................................................... 3
Hybrid CV ............................................................................................................................................. 4
The Content ........................................................................................................................... 4
Career Aim/Personal Profile ................................................................................................................ 4
Skills Section ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Education and Qualifications ............................................................................................................... 4
Additional or Professional Qualifications ............................................................................................. 5
Work History/Employment History ....................................................................................................... 5
Personal Achievements ....................................................................................................................... 5
Extracurricular Activities ....................................................................................................................... 6
Additional Personal Details .................................................................................................................. 6
Referees............................................................................................................................................... 6
How to Tailor a CV to a Job Description/Person Specification ................................................ 7
Points to Remember ............................................................................................................................ 7
Finding Further Information .................................................................................................. 8
What do you have to offer? .................................................................................................... 8
Build a Career Portfolio .......................................................................................................... 8
Additional Information............................................................................................................. 9
Words and Phrases to Help you Write your CV .................................................................... 10
The Power Word Lists from www.prospects.ac.uk ................................................................ 10
Putting Your CV Together .................................................................................................... 11
Career Aim ......................................................................................................................................... 11
Employment History ........................................................................................................................... 11
Education & Qualifications ................................................................................................................. 12
Key Skills ............................................................................................................................................ 13
Hobbies and Interests ........................................................................................................................ 14
Additional Information ........................................................................................................................ 14
Referees............................................................................................................................................. 14
Completed Example CV ..................................................................................................................... 15
CV Examples ....................................................................................................................... 17
Example One – Hybrid CV ................................................................................................................. 17
Example Two – Reverse Chronological (Recruitment Agency) ......................................................... 20
Examples Three and Four – Skills Based .......................................................................................... 23
Other Types of CVs .............................................................................................................. 26
Academic CVs.................................................................................................................................... 28
Law CVs .................................................................................................................................................
Creative CVs ..........................................................................................................................................
On-line CVs ............................................................................................................................................
Covering Letters ................................................................................................................... 29
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E-mailing your CV ................................................................................................................ 29
Introduction
There is no such a thing as a ‘perfect CV’. You will find many different examples of strong
CVs alongside some extremely poor ones. The suggestions below aim to help you create a
powerful CV that makes you stand out from the crowd.
Remember, a CV is your personal marketing tool and the first thing an employer will know
about you. You need to make it easy to read, interesting, positive, relevant and concise;
you must be comfortable with it. It should be written in the third person (ie. not using ‘I’)
and the most important information about you, in relation to the job you are applying for,
should be placed on page one.
Content and presentation are equally important and can be successfully achieved in a
variety of ways. Presentation includes headings, sub-headings, font type (usually Arial),
size of text (usually 11 or 12 for the body of the text, although 10 can be effective), bullet
points and indentation, shading, length (normally no more than two sides of A4), boxes and
lines. Please be aware that some employers scan CVs into computer files and some
graphics can adversely affect the layout of your CV. Always make sure that you keep an
attractive balance between text and white space on the page.
The best format is a simple one.
The Structure
This will depend on your past history and current situation and you will find that there are a
variety of styles which can be used. For example, for some jobs a skills-based CV may be
the better choice, whilst on other occasions it may be more suitable to use a reverse
chronological (most recent education/qualifications, work experience placed first) or
combine the two styles to create a hybrid one. Remember, whichever style you use you
must tailor it to the job you are applying for.
Skills based
This can be very pertinent if you are trying to change career direction and you are applying
for a position for which you do not have the relevant work history, but have gained a
diversity of directly relevant transferable skills from past experiences. Mature students,
who have gained such skills through longer periods of previously paid work, voluntary or
extra-curricular activities, may find this a suitable structure to work within.
In addition, students with very little or no work experience may find this a suitable style to
use to highlight the relevant skills they have developed through academic and social
activities. It can be a way of playing down lack of experience whilst drawing the readers’
eye to key skills.
If you use this style of CV whilst you are studying, you will highlight your educational
achievements first and then any work experience (most recent first). You must be
comfortable that your education is the most relevant thing to sell at the top of page one.
This can be a very useful style to use if your degree subject is the key selling point for the
job and if you are applying for jobs within more traditional career areas, such as Law and
Chartered Accountancy. It can also help you highlight any relevant work experience, but a
Chronological CV requires you to put your most recent job first, whether or not it is the
most relevant. Please note that this type of CV should still contain a powerful skills section.
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Reverse Chronological
Hybrid CV
This allows you to really play around with the CV to highlight the most relevant things
about you in relation to the job you are applying for. It can be a mixture of both the skills
based and reverse chronological. It is the easiest format to use to make your CV stand
out.
Consult your careers adviser if you are unsure
as to the type of CV to use!
The Content
The following sections are not presented in any particular order although if you are going to
have a Career Aim it should be at the beginning of the CV.
Career Aim/Personal Profile
This is




an introduction to your CV. It is a summary of:
the type of person you are;
where you are now;
what you have got to offer;
where you want to be in terms of a career, ie. a snap shot of you.
It should be written in a positive, upbeat style, using strong descriptive words (refer to the
Power Word Lists (on page 10) that will catch the eye of the reader and encourage them to
read on. It should be short and to the point and always be placed at the beginning of the
CV. Graduate recruiters, canvassed for their opinion, have confirmed that they like to see
a Career Aim/Personal Profile.
Skills Section
1. From the job description and person specification pick out all the essential (key) and
desirable skills required.
2. Ask yourself if you have them, particularly the essential skills.
3. Consider examples from your academic life, paid/voluntary work and extracurricular
activities to use and show when and how you have developed these. Make sure that
your examples are specific and not general. Remember employers are looking for proof
that you have the required skills, so provide the evidence. Graduate recruiters require
specific, relevant examples.
4. Write a concise and punchy sentence or two, using positive words to describe the skill,
backed up with a strong example/s (refer to the Power Word List on page 10). The use
of bullet points can help draw the reader’s eye to the most relevant information you are
trying to highlight.
Education and Qualifications
1. Usually placed in reverse chronological order, ie. most recent first.
3. Give some information about your course but do not list every module you have ever
studied. Only mention those that are relevant, eg. subjects that are pertinent to the
job you are applying for or subjects that show relevant skills development.
4. If you have consistently achieved strong grades, consider highlighting them.
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2. Use bold or underline to highlight the most relevant aspects of your qualifications, eg.
this could be the degree title, grade, or dissertation title.
5. Dissertation - give more information than just the title if the subject is particularly
relevant to the job you are applying for.
6. State the name of the institution; it is unnecessary to put the address.
7. Follow your Higher Education information with your A Levels/BTEC National/GNVQ or
equivalent. You would usually include grades if they are fairly recent, a specific
requirement of the job or if you are particularly proud of them.
8. Consider whether it is necessary to list all your GCSE subjects – it is perfectly
acceptable to state how many you achieved at A-C grade and mention the most
relevant.
9. List the dates when you achieved the qualifications. Dates can be placed on either the
right or left of the CV.
Consider what is more relevant: the work experience/
education/qualifications or the dates. It is easier to highlight to the reader work
experience etc. if you place the dates on the right. By doing it this way, the reader will
first come to your job title or qualification. Whichever side you choose, you must be
consistent throughout your CV.
Additional or Professional Qualifications
1. This can be a separate section from the Education and Qualifications.
2. Contains details of qualifications that are not necessarily academic, eg. Health and
Safety, Coaching Awards, Customer Care and Information Technology, eg. ECDL
(European Computer Driving Licence – a qualification recognised by many employers).
3. Use bullet points to help highlight each one.
4. Add in the dates you achieved the qualifications.
5. Put the most relevant at the top of the list.
Work History/Employment History
All work experience, whether it is paid, unpaid, voluntary, part-time or temporary is
important. Relevant experience is obviously crucial, but work experience that you think is
not relevant can still be important. It is through all these experiences that you have
developed transferable skills and key competencies.
1. Give job title, employer name and basic location details.
2. Add full dates.
3. Describe main duties, particularly those that have relevance for the post you are
applying for and use bullet points to highlight them.
4. Mention any additional duties you have undertaken or any one-off projects you have
been involved with that may make you stand out and can be used to provide evidence
of relevant skills.
5. Say more about the jobs that are directly relevant than those that are not; this is
particularly important if you are not going to run out of space.
6. Make sure that you mention anything you have done that is innovative or showed a
strong degree of responsibility, ie. anything that will make you stand out in the eyes of
the employer.
1. You can use this section to highlight any personal achievements you are particularly
proud of. Use examples that are not used elsewhere in your CV.
2. They can be academic, work related, voluntary or social.
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Personal Achievements
3. It is particularly useful to use this section to highlight achievements that are directly
related to the job you are applying for.
Extracurricular Activities
1. This is your opportunity to show what a ‘well rounded’ individual you are.
2. Do not write a list but provide a short paragraph, or use bullet points, and describe your
interests and activities.
Additional Personal Details
This section can be used to include relevant information not found elsewhere on the CV, eg.

Nationality – if you are not British but have the right to work in the UK without a
work permit it maybe helpful to say so.

Whether you are a car driver with a full/clean driving licence and car owner.

Whether you have an excellent health record.
Date of birth and marital status are not requirements on a CV; it is up to you whether you
feel they have any relevance to your application. In fact it is now illegal for employers to
ask for this information.
To look at issues of disclosing disability, read the information sheet
‘Disclosing Disability’ or go to the Skill website (www.skill.org.uk )
where there is an information sheet and a booklet ‘Get that Job’
which includes the issue of disclosure.
Referees
If you have space you can add the full name, address, telephone number/fax and email of
your referees. If you are a student or a very recent graduate, you would normally include
one academic referee and one employer or personal referee (not a member of your family).
If you do not have room to add the referees’ details, you can add a single sentence:
‘References available upon request’.
Page 6
Finally, do not lie on your CV, always make the most of your attributes, experiences and
skills and tailor your CV to the job you are applying for – Don’t be shy, sell yourself!
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How to Tailor a CV to a
Job Description / Person Specification
Points to Remember
a. You must tailor your CV to each job you apply for.
b. What are the essential and desirable qualities, experiences and skills required?
c. What examples can you use to back-up any claims you make about skills and
experiences?
d. Have you any additional skills and experiences that are relevant that will help you
stand out from the crowd?
Always pay close attention to the job description and person specification when compiling
your CV. Try to build your CV around the requirements for the job, adding any additional
selling points that you wish to highlight. Within the covering letter (which must always
accompany your CV) you can highlight key points and incorporate any additional
information that is pertinent but that does not fit neatly onto the CV (see the Careers
handout on Covering Letters). Remember, do not repeat your CV in your covering letter.
Read the job description/person specification very carefully. Prior to compiling your CV,
underline or highlight key words, skills and other requirements that must be incorporated
into the CV – see the example job description below.
Job Description
Trainee Public Relations Consultant
Job Description
Assisting one team on all client accounts- researching,
collecting, presenting press cuttings, competitions, promotions,
brainstorming ideas, developing media lists and much more.
Location
Preston
Hours per Week
15+
Notes
Bright, enthusiastic and quick to learn. It is a very busy office
environment with a very friendly team. A graduate of any
discipline with excellent communication, presentation, IT and
organisational skills required. Preferably with some previous
office experience.
Apply to
Mr George Jenkins
Apply Using
CV & Letter by Post
Closing Date
05/08/11
Page 7
Job Title
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Finding Further Information
If you cannot get hold of enough information about the job to help you tailor your CV, you
will find some helpful detailed careers information on the Prospects website:
www.prospects.ac.uk .
You can explore ‘types of jobs’ at www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs.htm .
What do you have to offer?
Once you are sure about what the job entails and what the employer is looking for, you
need to be clear about what you can offer.
1. Consider where and how you have developed the relevant skills and what were the
outcomes of using your skills. Example below:
Confident and competent user of IT; during a recent work experience placement given the
responsibility to design and build a complex database using Microsoft Access. Successfully
achieved this task a month before the deadline set. Senior managers complimented the
quality of the work provided and have now rolled out the database to all sections of the
company.
2. Make sure that you have a record of all your relevant qualifications and work history,
with the correct dates.
Build a Career Portfolio
The easiest way to have this information at your fingertips is to continually build and
update a portfolio of experiences, skills, qualifications, work history, extra-curricular
activities and personal achievements.

brief details of employment, ie. job role and additional responsibilities;

notes of skills developed, where and how;

certificates of qualifications and courses attended;

notes of in-house and external training attended;

employer citations and written references;

brief details of your extra-curricular activities;

positions held and extra responsibilities undertaken, eg. special projects;

personal achievements;

copies of old CVs and application forms that have previously helped to get you to
interview.
Having this information to hand will drastically reduce the time it takes to write your CV
and will ensure that you do not miss out anything of importance.
A brief example of a career portfolio is displayed on the next page:
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By keeping a file of the following records you will have all the information you need to
choose from to tailor your CV to each individual job you apply for:
Career Portfolio
Education




Final year journalism undergraduate from UCLAN (2008-2011)
On target for a First Class Honours Degree
3 A Levels: English Language (A), Design Technology (B) and Graphic Design (C)
10 GCSEs at Grades A* and A including English Language, English Literature,
Mathematics (A), French and Art (A*)
Work History
2 one-month voluntary work experience placements:
PR Assistant - Manor Public Relations and Marketing, Manchester:
(August 2010)

Writing and researching press releases for different clients

Preparing media lists and establishing press contacts

Developing newsletters and material for the company’s website.
Editorial Assistant - The Franklin and Matlin Citizen Newspaper, Norwich: (June 2010)

Working in a busy office assisting editorial staff and managing individual projects

Producing articles, which were printed by the Newspaper

Conducting interview by phone, email and in person.
Waitress - The Boar Inn, Preston:
(2005-present)

Serving customers

Balancing a variety of tasks and working under time constraints

Team member.
Retail Assistant - Mex, Preston:
(2005-2008)

Running shop unsupervised

Cashing up and banking takings

Offered regular employment at end of placement.
Achievements









A Level grades
Awarded Star Student Award in English Language A Level
Experienced at preparing and conducting presentations using PowerPoint and
Overhead Projector
Continually meets deadlines and effectively balances course work with part-time
employment
Competent user of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher and PowerPoint);
experience of using PR Planner to research different publications; uses Quark
Express for newspaper layout and editing
Creative, with ability to generate innovative ideas for reports and projects
Experienced at working with others to generate ideas, plan and complete
projects
Awarded 1st for personal design and development of a news website
A Level Graphic Design presented the opportunity to use Apple Mac programs,
such as PhotoShop for creative layout design; also introduced advertising
techniques and presented ideas.
Interests
Strong interest in current affairs
Reads variety of newspapers and magazines
Keen writer – writes for University magazine, PLUTO.
Additional Information


Full Clean Driving Licence
Excellent Health Record.
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


Words and Phrases to help you write your CV
These words and phrases may be useful in your CV. Choose them carefully and
only if they are relevant to a particular skill or situation you possess:
The Power Word Lists from www.prospects.ac.uk
More than … years’
extensive experience in …
More than … years’ diverse
experience in …
Successful in / at …
Expertise and
demonstrated skills in …
Extensive academic /
practical background in …
Familiar with …
Experienced in all facets /
phases / aspects of …
Knowledge of /
experienced as / in …
Experience involved /
included …
Extensive training /
involvement in …
Proficient / competent at …
In charge of …
Initially employed to /
joined organisation to …
Provided technical
assistance to …
Reported to …
Worked closely with …
Constant interaction with …
Now involved in …
Promoted to …
Succeeded in …
Established …
Proven track record in …
Assigned to …
Initiated …
Managed …
Employed to …
Edited …
Formulated …
Implemented …
Instrumental in …
Ability
Abundant
Achieve
Admirable
Advance
Agreement
Ambition
Appreciate
Approval
Aspire
Attain
Benefit
Capable
Courage
Courtesy
Definite
Dependable
Desirable
Determined
Effective
Efficient
Enhance
Enthusiasm
Excellence
Fitting
Genuine
Good
Grateful
Guarantee
Helpful
Humour
Imagination
Improvement
Ingenuity
Integrity
Initiative
Intelligence
Judgement
Lasting
Loyalty
Merit
Notable
Opportunity
Perseverance Practical
Prestige
Proficient
Progress
Prominent
Punctual
Reasonable
Resilient
Recommend
Reputable
Salient
Responsible
Satisfactory
Service
Stability
Success
Substantial
Superior
Thorough
Truth
Useful
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The following list incorporates words that can convey your suitability to a prospective employer.
Let them know that you’ve got what they need!
Putting Your CV Together
The following CV has been compiled and specifically tailored to the role of PR Assistant by
using the example job description, additional information, career portfolio and Power Word
lists provided in the previous section:
Name
Address
Mobile / Home Telephone
Email:
Career Aim
Ambitious and enthusiastic final year Journalism undergraduate, due to graduate in May 2011,
on target for a 1st Class Honours Degree, with relevant hands-on Public Relations work
experience and published work, looking to start career as a Trainee PR Consultant.


Take note of the strong words used to describe the personality of this student
They have very clearly shown where they are in time and their potential level of
academic achievement
They have wet the reader’s appetite by mentioning ‘relevant Public Relations work
experience and published work’
They have been clear about their career direction and that they know what post they
are applying for
The career aim is short, sharp and to the point, therefore easy to read and leaves a
positive impression.



Employment History
Directly Related Work Experience
PR Assistant
(Voluntary work)
Manor Public Relations and Marketing, Manchester
August 2010
(1 Month)
Main Duties:
 Writing and researching press releases for different clients
 Preparing media lists and establishing press contacts
 Developing newsletters and material for the company’s website.
Editorial
Assistant
(Voluntary Work)
The Franklin and Matlin Citizen Newspaper, Norwich
June 2010
(1 Month)



This section has been split into two, to help highlight work experience directly related
to the vacancy
Each position is clearly shown alongside the main tasks
It is factually written and made easy to read by the use of bullet points, headings and
bold type
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Main Duties:
 Working in a busy office environment, assisting editorial staff and
managing individual projects
 Producing articles, which were printed by the newspaper
 Conducting interviews by phone, e-mail and in person.
Additional Work Experience
Waitress
(part-time
evenings &
weekends in
busy restaurant)
The Boar Inn, Preston
Shop Assistant
Mex, Preston
2005 - Present
Main Duties:
 Dealing with customers and communicating effectively
 Balancing tasks and working well under strict time constraints
 Working as part of a team and problem solving.
2005-2008
Main Duties:
 Work placement at Mex led to an offer of regular employment
 Showed responsibility and initiative by running the shop
unsupervised, including cashing-up and banking.


This section is laid out in the same way as the related work experience.
Only a few key tasks are highlighted – it is not always necessary to go into detail about
every job you have had, particularly if some do not have the same relevance as others.
Education & Qualifications
University of Central Lancashire: BA Hons Journalism
Expected degree class:
2008-2011
1st
Modules studied include: Journalism Practice (1st), Journalism Issues (2:1),
Economics of the Media Industry (2:1),
International Journalism (2:1)



Note the order in which educational achievement has been displayed, ie. most recent first.
The degree title is first and in bold. Use bold or underline and putting the most relevant
information first helps the reader to quickly pick out the key points.
The dates are on the right hand side – there is no rule as to whether the dates should be on
the right or left, but as they are not the most important aspect it may make sense to place
them on the right rather than making them the first thing the reader comes to.
Only the modules that have the most relevance for the job are included and, because this
individual’s grades are so strong, they have chosen to include them and highlight them. You
do not have to do this; consider what is relevant and what you are comfortable with.
If you are researching for a dissertation make sure you include the title. Where the
dissertation has direct relevance to the job make sure you provide a brief abstract or
summary.
A-Levels: Ranklin College, Cumbria
English Language (A), Design Technology (B), Graphic Design(C)
Star Student Award (English Language)
2006-2008
GCSEs: St Mary’s High School, Cumbria
10 GCSEs at A* and A, including English Language (A),
English Literature (A), Mathematics (A), French (A*) and Art (A*)
2001-2006
The most relevant subjects are listed with highlighted grades.
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Page 12


Key Skills



The skills described
match those mentioned
in the job description.
Strong descriptive words
used to describe the
level of skill:
‘sophisticated’
‘frequent’
‘innovative’
‘excellent’.

user of written language, which is shown in the
grade A and Star Student award received in A level
English. These skills have been enhanced by
studying journalism and involvement in student
magazines and work placements.



Specific IT packages are
mentioned.

The description of
experience of delivering
presentations is made
specific by describing
the size and make-up of
the audience.
The eye is drawn to
each skill by using bold
and bullet points.

Organisation
– Excellent organisational skills
and self-motivation, which is demonstrated by
ability to continually meet deadlines, achieve high
grades and effectively balance course work with
part-time employment.
Page 13

Creativity and Team Work - the Degree
requires the generation of innovative ideas for
reports and projects. Includes working in teams to
brainstorm ideas and working on individual
projects. A recent individual project, awarded a 1 st
grade, involved the design and development of a
news website. Studying A level Graphic Design
presented the opportunity to explore creative
layout design using Apple Mac programs including
PhotoShop.
Have
developed
a
greater
understanding of advertising techniques and idea
presentation through academic and employment
activities.
‘A recent individual
project, awarded a
first grade, …..’.

IT - IT skills developed through academic study
and enhanced through various PR and Journalism
work placements. Frequent user of Microsoft Office
programs such as Word, Excel, Publisher and
PowerPoint. Knowledge and experience of using
PR Planner to research different publications and
to contact journalists. Use of Quark Express for
newspaper layout and editing.
‘IT skills developed
through academic
study and enhanced
through various PR
and Journalism
work placements’
‘Involvement in
student magazines’
Verbal Communication & Presentation - a
confident and effective communicator and have
further developed these skills through conducting
presentations using Overhead Projectors and
PowerPoint,
which
involved
communicating
information in an interesting and effective way to
audiences of 20+, including tutors, peers and
employers.
Real-life examples have
been used to show the
strength of each skill
and how they have been
developed:
‘Star Student Award’
Written Communication – a sophisticated
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Hobbies and Interests

Current Affairs: lively interest in current affairs and enjoy reading a variety
of newspapers and magazines, such as: PR Weekly, various Broadsheets,
Vogue, and Timeout.

Writer: a keen writer, regularly contributing feature articles for publication
in the University magazine. This experience has provided the opportunity to
further develop writing skills and to have work published.

Sports: enjoy a variety of water sports, currently rowing for the University’s
Canoeing Club and regularly swim for charity.



Instead of just listing interests, each one has a brief description to show the depth of
involvement in each activity and to highlight that this individual is ‘well-rounded’, ie. not
just concentrating on their academic studies.
Note that bullet points are used to highlight each interest.
A simple sub-heading has been used to help draw the readers eye.
Additional Information




Full clean driving licence and car owner
Willing to relocate
Excellent health record
British.
You can use the ‘Additional Information’ section to include titbits of
information that are important but do not necessarily fit neatly elsewhere on
the CV. Date of Birth and Nationality are not necessarily relevant to have on
your CV but, if you feel including them is important, you can add them to
this section.
Referees
If you have room, add the name, address, telephone and email details of a
lecturer/tutor and either an employer or someone who knows you well – not
a member of your family or a friend.
Page 14
If you run out of space just add: ‘References available upon request’
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Completed Example CV
Name
Address
Mobile:
Home:
Email:
Career Aim
Ambitious and enthusiastic final year Journalism undergraduate, due to graduate in May
2011, on target for a 1st Class Honours Degree, with relevant hands-on Public Relations
work experience and published work, looking to start career as a Trainee PR Consultant.
Employment History
Directly Related Work Experience
PR Assistant
(Voluntary
work)
Manor Public Relations and Marketing, Manchester
August 2010
(1 Month)
Main Duties:
 Writing and researching press releases for different clients
 Preparing media lists and establishing press contacts
 Developing newsletters and material for the company’s website.
Editorial
Assistant
(Voluntary
Work)
The Franklin and Matlin Citizen Newspaper, Norwich
June 2010
(1 Month)
Main Duties:
 Working in a busy office environment, assisting editorial staff and
managing individual projects
 Producing articles, which were printed by the newspaper
 Conducting interviews by phone, e-mail and in person.
Additional Work Experience
Waitress
(part-time
evenings &
weekends in
busy
restaurant)
The Boar Inn, Preston
Shop
Assistant
Mex, Preston
2005 - Present
Main Duties:
 Dealing with customers and communicating effectively
 Balancing tasks and working well under strict time constraints
 Working as part of a team and problem solving.
Main Duties:
 Work placement at Mex led to an offer of regular employment.
 Showed responsibility and initiative by running the shop
unsupervised, including cashing-up and banking.
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Page 15
2005-2008
Education & Qualifications
University of Central Lancashire: BA Hons Journalism
2008-2011
Expected degree class: 1st
st
Modules studied include: Journalism Practice (1 ), Journalism Issues (2:1), Economics of the
Media Industry (2:1), International Journalism (2:1).
A-Levels: Ranklin College, Cumbria
2006-2008
English Language (A), Design Technology (B), Graphic Design(C)
Star Student Award (English Language)
GCSEs: St Mary’s High School, Cumbria
2001-2006
10 GCSEs at A* and A, including English Language (A),
English Literature (A), Mathematics (A), French (A*) and Art (A*)
Key Skills
•
Written Communication – a sophisticated user of written language, evidenced by the grade A
and Star Student award received in A-level English. Skills enhanced by studying journalism,
involvement in student magazines and work placements.
•
Verbal Communication & Presentation - a confident and effective communicator and have
further developed these skills through conducting presentations using Overhead Projectors and
PowerPoint. This involved communicating information in an interesting and effective way to
audiences of 20+, including tutors, peers and employers.
•
IT - IT skills developed through academic study and enhanced through various PR and
Journalism work placements. Frequent user of Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel,
Publisher and PowerPoint. Knowledge and experience of using PR Planner to research different
publications and to contact journalists. Use of Quark Express for newspaper layout and editing.
•
Creativity and Team Work - the degree programme has given me the ability to generate
innovative ideas for reports and projects. Includes working in teams to brainstorm ideas and
st
working on individual projects. A recent individual project, awarded a 1 grade, involved the
design and development of a news website. Studying A level Graphic Design presented the
opportunity to explore creative layout design using Apple Mac programs including PhotoShop.
Have developed a greater understanding of advertising techniques and idea presentation through
academic and employment activities.
•
Organisation – Excellent organisational skills and self-motivation, which is demonstrated by
ability to continually meet deadlines, achieve high grades and effectively balance course work with
part-time employment.
Hobbies and Interests

Current Affairs: lively interest in current affairs and enjoy reading a variety of newspapers and
magazines, such as: PR Weekly, various Broadsheets, Vogue, and Time Out.

Writer: a keen writer, regularly contributing feature articles for publication in the University
magazine. This experience has provided the opportunity to further develop writing skills and to
have work published.

Sports: enjoy a variety of water sports, currently rowing for the University’s Canoeing Club and
regularly swim for charity.
Additional Information
Full clean driving license and car owner
Willing to relocate
Excellent health record.
References available upon request
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CAREERS TEAM\Publications (in-house) 2013-2014\ 9. Writing a Winning CV.doc - updated Mar 2014
Page 16
•
•
•
CV Examples
Please note:
The following CVs are only examples and, like most CVs, can be improved upon.
They should not be copied. Remember - your CV is about you, not the fictional
characters described in the CV examples.
Example One – Hybrid CV (pages 18-19)

Page one has been used by this individual to focus on key
achievements and work experience as they feel that they are
strong selling points for the types of job they are applying
for.

Note that they have highlighted their degree in the profile so
that the reader knows that they are an undergraduate and
that they are studying for a directly relevant degree
discipline.

They have used the first half of page two to highlight key
skills, which are directly relevant to the job area and have
followed this with their education in which they have drawn
the reader’s eye to strong grades and relevant modules.

They
o
o
o
have chosen to use Arial as the type face with:
10 as the font size for the detailed information
11 for the sub-headings
14 for the name at the top
Page 17
Doing it this way ensures all information is on 2 sides only.
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NAME
Address
Telephone Number:
Mobile Number:
Email Address:
CAREER OBJECTIVE
An enthusiastic and proactive final year BA Business Studies undergraduate with good customer orientated
skills and relevant work experience, keen to work in a commercial environment, interacting with clients and
colleagues and using financial skills to help progress the business.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Successfully worked with a diverse range of people within a pressurised business environment demonstrated through last year’s work placement. One requirement was to undertake and implement a
new fixed charge allocation system. Research and analysis had to be undertaken with employers and
employees throughout the manufacturing plant, service departments and controllers of subsidiaries
abroad. Achieved the successful reduction of costs, re-distributed the costs to the appropriate cost
centre and secured agreement with departmental managers .

The design and update of the finance website for Mark Corporation. This involved creating a user
friendly, attractive web page for all Mark employees and potential investors. This included a personal
decision to be made on what the web page should include and which people it should target. Collecting
vital information on each manager and departmental activity with clear photography was the main focus of
the final web page. Controllers within the plant and in America produced positive feedback and input
upon the finished project.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Mark Corporation, Automotive Industry,
Birmingham
Aug 2008-9

Liaising with a diverse range of people including suppliers and customers

Carrying out various tasks on a daily basis including reconciliations,

sales reports, raising and dealing with incoming/outgoing invoices.

Preparing report requirement and statistical data for Government purposes, including export/import
accounts.

Uploading and preparing for month end accounts using different software and database packages.

Training and interviewing new university finance students in 2003
Auxiliary Nurse
(Part Time)
NHS Trust Hospitals, Blackburn, Lancashire
April 2009-Present

Work within a team to provide health care for different types of patients, especially those with
isability/operational problems, illnesses or difficulties.

Requires motivation and commitment to be 100% efficient when dealing with problems, tasks and
responsibilities.

Working closely with clients from different backgrounds on every care assignment, which also
requires flexibility to work effectively on different wards/departments every week from medical,
children’s ward to maternity. Complying with different policies and regulations set on each
ward/department and recording personal and medical accounts.
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Page 18
Finance Accounts
Assistant
KEY SKILLS

Communication & Presentation: A very confident and effective communicator of information.
Using and developing these skills through conducting presentations, using PowerPoint, to both
student peers and employers. Regularly presented to an audience of 20+. Have taken part in video
conferencing and competently use a variety of communication tools such as email. Both verbal and
listening skills have been enhanced through working closely with individuals whilst performing the
duties of an Auxiliary Nurse.

Organisation and Flexibility: Excellent organisational skills and self-motivation, demonstrated
by meeting all course-work deadlines and achieving high grades alongside successfully carrying out
two part time jobs. Competently organised most of the social events for colleagues during the year’s
work placement, including a magical mystery trip which received very positive feedback from the 30
people who took part.

IT: Frequent user of Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, Access, Minitab, PowerPoint,
HTML, Webmaster and FrontPage 2000. Knowledge and experience of using employer based
packages such as Oracle ADI Manufacturing and Finance databases to carry out different
accounting processes and extracting vital information for suppliers and customers.
EDUCATIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS
BA (Hons) Business Studies
University of Central Lancashire,
Preston

Main options include: – Economics, Taxation and Financial subjects.

Grades: 60%+ achieved in 2
nd
2006-2010
th
year, Merit for placement year and 60%+ in 4 year
GNVQ Advanced Business Studies
Oaklands College, Farnham
2004-2006

Studied: Business Advanced GNVQ, with equivalent A Level in business options, which included
administration, Communication, Numeracy and Working with others’ key skills. Achieved overall
Merit grade.

GNVQ Advanced included the study of: HR, Production and Employment, Behaviour at work, IT,
Marketing, Statistics, Business Planning, Self-Development/Performance, Financial Forecasting
and Financial Services/Statements.
GCSEs

St Frances High School, Surrey
1999-2004
10 GCSEs at grades C and above, including English Language (B) Mathematics (B), and
Economics (B).
LEISURE ACTIVITIES

Keen supporter of a variety of charities; regularly involved in a variety of sponsored activities for
kidney and cancer patient funds.

Enjoy keeping fit by swimming and have gained a variety of awards and badges. Also enjoy
working out at the gym.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Full clean driving licence
Excellent Health record
References available upon request
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Page 19


Example Two – Reverse Chronological (Recruitment
Agency) (pages 21-22)

This particular CV has been successfully used by a recent
university graduate to secure interviews for graduate level
employment through a recruitment agency.

You will note that the CV is very factual and in reverse
chronological order. There is very little information provided
for skills and leisure activities; both sections could be built
upon to give greater depth and stimulate more interest.

You will also note that a personal profile has not been used;
again this could be included as long as it was short, sharp
and to the point.

The details for both referees are included, in detail, at the
bottom of page two.
Page 20
You will find some helpful advice on writing CVs for recruitment
agencies via the Recruitment & Employment Confederation’s (REC)
website: www.rec.uk.com .
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CAREERS TEAM\Publications (in-house) 2013-2014\ 9. Writing a Winning CV.doc - updated Mar 2014
Name
Home Address
Telephone Number:
Email Address:
Education & Qualifications
Higher Education
2006 – 2009
2009
University … … …
BSc (Hons) Pathology (Part 2)
Qualification gained: 2.1
included:
Virology: Molecular nature of all major viral life cycles, as well
as associated pathologies, immunity, vaccination and
chemotherapy.
Cellular and Genetic Pathology: Mendelian and nonMendelian disorders, Reproductive and neurodegenerative
pathologies. Molecular nature of cancer.
Research project: A candidate gene for Turners Syndrome DNA samples from Turner syndrome patients sequenced for
polymorphisms or mutations in gene VEGFD to find if there is
a predisposing allele for lymphoedema.
2008
Natural Sciences part 1 B: 2.1
Molecular Cell Biology, Pathology, Animal Biology.
2007
Natural Sciences part 1 A: 2.1
Biology of Cells, Physiology, Evolution and Behaviour and
Quantitative Biology.
Secondary Education
Tertiary College
2004 – 2006
A-levels:
Biology (A), Physics (A), Mathematics (A)
General studies (A).
1999 – 2004
High School
G.C.S.Es: 6 A*
4A
including Biology, Chemistry & Geography
Mathematics and English.
July–Sept 2008
… … … University, School of Biological Sciences.
Wellcome Trust summer vacation scholarship, involving
laboratory research into the DNA damaging effects of
oestrogens, androgens and dietary and environmental
carcinogens on prostate cells. Methods used included
the single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet) assay and
the cytokinesis block micronucleus assay.
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Page 21
Research experience
Work Experience
2003
Lawson Margerison Partnership, Architects Assistant. (2weeks)
Architectural drawings  Submission of plans to local council  Site
inspections.
2004 – 2006
MacDonalds restaurant, Crewmember.
Preparation of food  Till work  Dealing with the public  Working as a
team.
Skills
Driving
Full clean driving license.
Computing
Familiar with Microsoft Office:
Word – for essays and reports
PowerPoint – for project presentation
Excel – for data input and tables.
Languages
GCSE French.
Special Awards


Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards: Bronze and Silver. Soon to
complete Duke of Edinburgh Gold award.
Gliding Scholarship Certificate.
Regular Extra Curricular: University





Rowing – First year – 3rd boat.
University Air Squadron: 45 hours flying RAF elementary flying
training course.
Further activities include skiing, shooting, adventurous training,
sports events.
Organised formal hall and volunteered as member of summer ball
committee.
Kickboxing.
Graduate Leisure Activities




Acoustic guitar - learning for pleasure
Motorsports - motorcross riding since age 5
Kayaking – with my brother most weekends
Reading.
Director of Studies
Name
Address
Tel:
Email:
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Personal
Name
Address
Tel:
Email:
Page 22
References
Examples Three and Four – Skills Based
(Pages 23-26)
All or most of the first page of a skills-based CV is taken up with
relevant skills. Each skill is clearly described and backed up by a
solid example.

The skill-set detailed may vary depending on what the job vacancy
requires.

Duties carried out in a job should be described briefly and purely to
provide evidence for the skills listed.

If possible the most relevant degree modules should be shown.

The profiles quite clearly show knowledge and experience.

These are clearly targeted CVs that show that a lot of thought has
gone into their development.
Page 23

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NAME
Address
Email:
Telephone:
Personal Profile
Motivated, enthusiastic final year Business Studies undergraduate (2:I) forecast, IPD
exemptions, seeks challenging personnel position within multinational, manufacturing sector to
build on relevant academic, work experience and transferable skills achieved to date.
Skills Profile
•
Communication: Excellent communication skills developed as part of degree
programme, both oral and written. Well received presentation given to senior
management of Bark as culmination of project given during sandwich placement.
•
Teamwork: Experience of working well in many different teams and roles within teams.
Adapted and integrated successfully to different culture as Camp Counsellor in USA
leading the group responsible for evening entertainment for 200 young children devoid of
TV.
•
Organisational: Worked throughout the last three years to finance undergraduate study,
gaining invaluable experience whilst maintaining a high academic portfolio. Chaired
University Society meetings and liaised with other bodies over fund-raising activities.
•
IT: Working knowledge of Word for Windows 6, Excel spreadsheets and the Internet.
Undertook a paid Work Based Learning project during 2nd year advising and designing a
website for a small local company having initially identified their training needs.
•
Commercial Awareness: Active role in Enterprise project as part of sixth form
curriculum. Profits generated went to local charities and new IT equipment. Worked for
large multinationals in retail and manufacturing sector developing business skills. Aware
that biggest single asset for any company is its staff. The need to recruit high-class
employees and develop the skills of existing staff is fundamental to a company’s growth
and success.
Education and Qualifications
BA (Hons) Business Studies (2:I forecast)
University
2006-2010
Modules studied to date include: Organisational Behaviour 64%, Principles of Human
Resource Management 57%, Organisational Design 66%, Management Decision Making 65%.
3 A Levels
High School, Bucks
1999-2006
7 GCSEs including Maths, English Lang and French
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Page 24
English Lit (C), Psychology (D), General Studies (C)
Work Experience
Bark Cables, Leeds (Sandwich Placement)
9/08 - 9/09
Based in the Training and Development Unit working as part of a team with responsibility for
graduate recruitment and identifying and meeting the training needs of existing staff.
Camp America, Michigan, USA
Summer ‘08
As a Camp Counsellor assisted in the design and delivery of summer camp for 11-16 year
olds. Coached soccer (not football!) and tennis as well as devising a full, varied and rigorous
evening programme.
Johnson & Partners, Leeds (Business Bridge Project)
January ‘08
Paid project advising a small local company of the commercial benefits on the Internet, active
role in existing staff development.
Next Plc, Bucks
2004 to date
Retail experience in busy high street branch over numerous vacations. Quickly identified the
need for negotiation, patience and customer care.
Interests/Achievements






Qualified tennis coach.
Member of University Tennis Team.
Member of ID Football Team.
Chair of University Claus Thompson Appreciation Society, organised many successful
fund-raising events.
Travelled extensively across Europe and America.
Attended many training courses on sandwich placement, including Time Management
and Presentation Skills.
Referees
Name
Address
Telephone
Email
Page 25
Name
Address
Telephone
Email
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NAME
PERSONAL DETAILS
Lappage Court,
Tyler Green,
Bucks,
HP8 4JD
PERSONAL PROFILE
Telephone: 01882 652349
Mobile:
07717 121824
Email: [email protected]
Keep profiles concise and
show career focus
Adaptable and ambitious business studies undergraduate with proven customer service skills and an
excellent understanding of business finance, keen to take on the daily challenges and rewards of
working for Innovate Car Hire.
SKILLS & ACHIEVEMENTS
Skills headings will change depending on what is
required for the specific vacancy
Business Awareness
 Experience in financial assistant roles in the commercial and voluntary sector with competence
in business finance developed abroad.
 Active member of the university business club – winner of the ‘Bucks Best Business Pitch’
award in 2007 Enterprise Week, judged by Michael Eavis.
 Customer service awareness and skills developed working for Sainsbury’s and McDonald’s,
achieving supervisor status in a short time.
In this CV the evidence for skills is very specific
and achievement orientated.
Initiative & Adaptability
 Self-funded an evening course in book-keeping during first accountancy role with the Cats
Protection League to increase my effectiveness at work.
 Successful study and work in Spain and Mexico demonstrate my ability to adapt and thrive in
new and different environments.
 Volunteering as an English language tutor and raising money for Diabetes UK during my
studies required initiative, dedication and discipline.
Quantify achievements to make them more
realistic.
Effective Communication
• Strong interpersonal skills developed in customer service roles in retail, library and as a
university tour guide.
• Ability to build rapport with customers in a short time evidenced by working as an English
language tutor in Spain and Mexico.
• Strong presentation skills and confidence demonstrated by presentations in different
languages to groups of 5 to 50.
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Page 26
Team Working & Leadership
 Worked in a small team of 5 at Sainsbury’s running a local store and a large financial team of
20 at First Choice taking on a variety of roles.
 Built team spirit as a supervisor at Sainsbury’s by ensuring that staff were supported to meet
testing team sales targets.
 Planning and coordination role taken in university group assignments - achieved an overall
average 70+% grade in group assessments.
IT Skills
• Competent with all Microsoft Office applications
• OCR Level 1 & 2 Web Design (MS Frontpage)
• Experienced user of Sageline 100.
Languages
• French: Semi-fluent
• Spanish: Fluent.
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
2005 – 2009
Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College
BA International Business Studies with Spanish (2:1)
• Study semester at The University of Valladolid (Spain)
• 6 month work placement in Barcelona
• Modules studied included: Business Planning; Sales Promotion and
Marketing; Business Operations Management.
1997 – 2004
Tonbridge School
A-Level: French (C) and Business Studies (B)
GCSE: French (A); Maths (B); Spanish(B); Biology (C); Chemistry (C);
Physics (C); English (C); Information Technology (C).
WORK HISTORY
2005 – 2009
Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College
Campus Librarian (Dec 05 – Jun 06)
Tour Guide (Sep 02 – Jan 03).
2008 (Feb – Aug)
Audigest S.A. (Barcelona) Audit Assistant
2007 (Jun – Dec)
Sainsbury’s Local (Hazelmere) Supervisor
2005 (Jan – Aug)
First Choice Holidays and Flights Ltd (High Wycombe) Financial Assistant
2004 (Jul – Aug)
Cats Protection League (Chalfont) Financial Assistant
2003 (Jan – Dec)
McDonald’s (High Wycombe) Crew Member.
VOLUNTARY WORK
2008 (Feb – Aug)
Teaching English (Valladolid, Spain)
2004 (Sep – Jan)
Teaching English (Guadalajara, Mexico).
REFERENCES
It is quite acceptable - and
useful - to use this phrase,
particularly where you have
run out of space.
Page 27
Available on request
All the relevant transferrable
skills from work history is under
‘Skills
and
Achievements’.
Duties
are
unimportant
compared with the skills and
transferable
expertise
and
experience built up doing the
work.
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Other Types of CVs
1. Academic CVs
Academic CVs focus on academic and research experience and achievements. There is no twopage constraint due to the inclusion of material such as Research and Publications; however they
still need to be concise, including relevant/targeted information.
For further advice on academic CVs please visit the Vitae website www.vitae.ac.uk which
provides a range of activities to support universities to develop postgraduate skills, including job
search and career management information.
Prospects: www.prospects.ac.uk/cvs.htm
example CVs.
also provides advice for PhD students including
2. Law CVs
The publication ‘Applying for a training contract with a CV’ gives helpful advice. This is
available on the University of Central Lancashire’s Careers website:
www.uclan.ac.uk/careersbooklets
3. Creative CVs
Applying to companies in such areas as design, graphics, multimedia, advertising and media
requires a more dynamic CV style (eg. using desk top publishing packages and/or live web links
to a portfolio of work).
When applying for design related positions a well presented and designed CV is paramount, but it
must not detract from the content and message. For example, using a particular design may take
up a lot of space meaning you struggle to get all your relevant information within two pages.
As with any CV it needs to be tailored to the individual organisation. If they are likely to receive a
lot of applications, and/or have a specialised recruitment team, then a more standard approach is
usually best. For smaller organisations that may not be quite so inundated a more ‘unique’
approach can sometimes be effective. The CV, however, should still follow the general
guidelines.
The majority of organisations will be faced with many CVs and practical considerations such as
being able to photocopy/file the CV effectively need to be considered.
Be careful too that anything you use (eg. fonts/desk top publishing) will be compatible with the
prospective employers if you are sending it electronically (see advice below).
Page 28
Ask at UCLan Careers Reception for the booklet ‘Creative CV Guide’ which contains useful
advice and CV examples.
Prepare for your future today ….
CAREERS TEAM\Publications (in-house) 2013-2014\ 9. Writing a Winning CV.doc - updated Mar 2014
E-mailing your CV
It is becoming increasing popular for recruiters to accept emailed CVs and although the general
principles already outlined should still be adhered to, there are a few things to consider.

Follow any instructions outlined otherwise your application may not be read.

Most employers will accept CVs in an attachment; Microsoft Word format is commonly used.
Alternatives which may be used are Rich Text Format, HTML, and pdf; however be careful the
recruiter will accept and be able to read the formats.

Ensure the font you use is commonly used.

The alternative (or in addition) to an attached CV is to include your CV within the body of the email
as a plain text version, which can be read by all email systems but is not as attractive. Use the
default email font, using capitals to highlight the main sections, and be careful to avoid columns,
bullets, bold, indents, tabs, etc.

With regard to your covering letter this can be included as an attachment or written within the body
of the email. Again the safest format to use when including this within the email is plain text. If
sending as an attachment, make sure you still write a professional ‘message within’ the email itself
and adhere to the above advice regarding formats etc.

Ensure you use a relevant subject line, and email your application back to yourself first to check it.
It is also advisable to virus check any attachments before sending.
Ultimately if you have doubts about any issue with regard to sending by email, contact the recruiter for
advice.
Covering Letters
To introduce your CV you should accompany it with a covering letter; for further information please
see UCLan Careers booklet ‘4. Writing a Covering Letter’ (see link below).
Further Information
The UCLan Careers website contains a range of careers booklets, offering advice and tips to help you,
at www.uclan.ac.uk/careersbooklets . You can also find information on the site about relevant
events, workshops and elective modules.
You might also want to check out the recorded online events, covering a number of topics at
www.uclan.ac.uk/futuresondemand .
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If you would like further help or want to speak to a careers adviser please call at UCLan
Careers Reception in Foster Entrance Foyer, ring us on 01772 895858 or use the online
form at www.uclan.ac.uk/careers to email us with queries.
Prepare for your future today ….
CAREERS TEAM\Publications (in-house) 2013-2014\ 9. Writing a Winning CV.doc - updated Mar 2014