How to write a CV

A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a summary of your skills, abilities and work experience which is designed to convince the employer that you are the best person for the job. A CV can be anything from 1 to 4 pages long. There are three main kinds of CV's to choose from which are listed below.

Read through the descriptions and decide which kind of CV is best for you. Click on the templates below to see how the layout differs from one CV to another.  To write a CV you should bring with you to the job hunters' club any qualifications' details you have (e.g. dates, grades) & previous employment details.

What is a Chronological CV?

• Starts with Employment History
• Moves from most recent job backwards to first job

Advantages

1. Easy to read
2. Easy to write well

Use if you are applying for a job similar to your last job.  Use if you have steadily moved up in your career.

Disadvantages

1. Gaps in employment are easy to see
2. Your most recent job may not be the most relevant to the job vacancy
3. Not effective for a long or complicated work history

Don't use if you are changing career directions.

Chronological CV Template (Size 45K)

What is a Functional CV?

• Starts with skills and experience
• Your most relevant skills and experiences are presented first

Advantages

1. Can select most appropriate information and leave out irrelevant information
2. All the information given under skills and experience looks recent
3. Skills can refer to both paid employment or volunteer work or life experience

Use if you are changing career directions.  Use if you have been out of the workforce for some time.

Disadvantages

1. More difficult and slower to write
2. Different versions will be needed for different job vacancies

Don't use if you need to write a CV quickly. 

Functional CV Template (Size 41K)

What is a Combination CV?

• Starts with employment history but includes only the positions relevant to the vacancy
• Lists skills and knowledge rather than achievements and responsibilities

Advantages

1. Can be selective in which jobs are highlighted
2. Useful if in your previous positions you had no responsibilities

Use if you are returning to a previous occupation.  Use if you wish to highlight your skills.

Disadvantages

1. Layout can be confusing to read as employment history is divided into 2 sections
2. Don't use if you are wanting to change career direction

Combination CV Template (Size 53K)

For examples of CVs and advice on writing cover letters go to Job Star.