CV Content

CVs should cover the following areas:

Personal Details

Include name, address, telephone numbers & email address.

Education

Include third level and secondary schooling in reverse chronological order.
When listing courses undertaken, list them in order of relevance to the position that you are applying for. Always limit these to what is recent and relevant.

Career Summary

This is an optional part of your CV, which will help your CV to stand out from the rest. It is a simple statement of 20 words or so which encapsulate your career aspirations. View it as an advertisement for the details that follow. It can also help you to focus on your abilities in your own mind. Imagine you only have 30 words to convince someone to hire you.

Example: An effective thinker and achiever, offering proven leadership and communication skills. A genuine and direct approach with the ability to inspire others with a proven track record of promotion.

Work Experience and Achievements

The reader of your CV should be able to select your skills, ability and achievements with ease. Golden rule: keep it short!

Work experience and Achievements include:

  • Where you work
  • What type of industry you work in
  • What dates have you worked there from
  • Your job title
  • Your main responsibilities

Ensure that your job title stands out on the page and emphasize your achievements. Work experience should be in reverse chronological order as your most recent experience, in most cases, will be the most relevant.