CVs
Writing a CV is a normal part of applying for jobs and further study. A good CV should be easy to read, attractive to look at and tailored to the position applied for. Most importantly, it must sell you!
What is a CV?
"Curriculum vitae" literally means "course of life".
In practice, a modern CV should be tailored to show your suitability for a job. So, while it's helpful to prepare a general CV, you should adapt it for each new application.
Recruiters may receive hundreds of CVs and often have less than a minute to read each one. That's not enough time for them to work out how your experience and skills relate to their vacancy - you need to make this as clear as possible in your CV and covering letter. These go together - your CV sells you, your covering letter sells your CV.
Sample CVs
CVs are usually two pages in length unless the employer has asked for a one page CV. Research or Academic CVs tend to be longer than two pages to allow for lists of publications and research papers (there is no specified limit). Lengths of CVs may vary in other countries.
You may also find it useful to download our CV from scratch, CV for research students or Part time jobs - finding and applying handouts. What employers say is a compilation of interviews with some graduate recruiters giving their tips.
Next: Top tips