General

Most CVs follow a fairly similar content structure. We advise you follow this, or something very similar. Unless you are applying for very creative roles that may expect you to deviate and be original.

How long should my CV be?

2 pages maximum. Any less than a page and you're digging your own grave. Any more than 2 pages and you're likely waffling.

Select information that is necessary and will give you a better chance of getting the job, not just what looks good overall.

What software should I use to create my CV?

The majority of students should use:

• Word

However, some students opting for more creative roles may deviate to software that is more flexible. If this is you, we recommend:

• Adobe XD
• Figma
• PowerPoint (Yes, PowerPoint, if used properly PowerPoint can be very powerful for putting together quick layouts that may be difficult using Word.

Do you have any CV templates for me to use?

Yes! We have two templates available for Pro users. One creative CV template and one more formal template.

You can access them using the link at the top of this article. Enjoy!

Header

Often neglected, the header of the page. This is a great opportunity to display some small print information. Think:

• Email
• Link to your LinkedIn profile
• Phone Number
• Address

Name, Role & CTAs

Your name, big and bold. Your name should stand out.

You may also want to consider having the role in smaller text underneath your name. Telling the recruiter that the CV you have provided has been made specifically for that role from the outset.

This next point is less common on CVs but perhaps add some CTA (Call to Action) buttons. Go the extra mile and make the recruiters' lives that little bit easier. Consider featuring clickable links that provide functionality such as:

• Initiate Gmail compose Email function to your email address
• Download CV in PDF format
• Link to online copy of your CV for sharing
• Link to a portfolio profile (such as Instagram, Dribbble, Behance) of your work (More design and creative fields). Or even your personal profile if you think it would aid your chances.
• Link to your LinkedIn profile

Example

Personal Statement

The majority of modern CVs feature a short paragraph at the top of the CV commonly referred to as the personal statement. Here, you can express your interest for the role on offer and summarise why you think you would be a great candidate.

Stick to no more than 5 lines here.

Education and Qualifications

Here, the aim is to pack in as much information as possible in as little space as possible. Cut out anything that is not completely necessary and ensure to cover the essentials.

University studies

• Your degree (The EXACT name of it)
• The university you are studying at
• Your first year prediction or confirmed grade
• A list of every module you will be taking whilst at university, if this takes up too much space, stick to first year and second year modules.

Prior Education

• The school that you completed your GCSEs and wherever you completed your A-levels or equivalents.
• All of your A-level results with accompanying dates.
• A summary of your GCSE results with accompanying dates. It is unnecessary to list all of them. An example may be:

8 - English Literature
7 - English Language
7 - Mathematics
Six additional 7s, four 6s and one 5.

Other

You should also include an other section. This may reference:

• Public speaking skills
• Driving license
• DofE or equivalent

Example

Work experience

Key information

• Name of company
• Role during employment
• The nature of employment (was it Paid Employment, were you a volunteer?)
• Start date and end date (or Present if still working there)

Further information

Under the key information that you have given, you will need to expand on the role and what you have gained from it. A general format to follow could sound like the following:

1. Describe the role and what you did.
2. Describe the impact that you had whilst working in said role.
3. Describe how it developed you as an individual and what you learned.

Don't be afraid to deviate from this but make sure you hit most of the points. You could do this in paragraph or bullet point format, but remember you have a very limited duration of time to sell yourself to recruiters, so bullet points are probably better.

Example

Extra-Curricular and Hobbies

There is some freedom with this section but as mentioned in "Identifying the goals of your CV", try to tailor your hobbies and extra-curricular activities towards the role you are applying for.

In terms of structure, try to group things together or have a stand-alone heading for stand-out attributes, for example:

• Leadership roles
• Treasurer for Squash Society
• Self Development

Other Skills

Go crazy. List some skills or achievements that you possess and importantly, why the recruiter should care about them.

You have web development skills? Okay. Why should I care? What does that enable you to do? How did you learn that? Has that changed your way of thinking? Could you apply that skill to other disciplines (e.g. has your overall digital capability improved since learning that skill).

Sell yourself!

References

Some people list their references on their CV. This is unnecessary. If you have a compelling, achieving CV, you will be tight for space.

Simply state, "References available upon request."

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