Presentation of a CV is extremely important, it is the tool that opens the door to an interview and potentially a new career opportunity.

Most CV’s contain all the information an employer requires but almost all are poorly presented with little thought to how the CV will be viewed.  CV’s are now transmitted digitally and are initially viewed on a screen, it is therefore important to format the CV with individual screen shots in mind.  The first screen of a CV is approximately two thirds of a page of A4.  The first screen should contain as much information as possible to interest the viewer.

General layout

Screen 1

The first screen should contain the name and contact details, perhaps a brief personal profile and career history information providing a snapshot of the career to date – enough to interest the viewer

Subsequent Screens

  • Career detail responsibilities – this is an opportunity to provide more detailed information on the responsibilities in a specific role, ideally in bullet point format and targeted at the role competencies
  • Career detail achievements - relating to the competencies in the role and  focusing on measurable key achievements in that position
  • Working back through your roles finishing up with Education, Interests and references where applicable.

A sample CV follows. Alternatively, you can download our sample CV in Microsoft Word format.

Sample Curriculum Vitae

Personal Details

Name:
Your name
Address:
Your full postal address
Contact Details:
Home and mobile and e mail address if available

Profile

An experienced Manager with excellent communication, organisational, business and financial management skills. Able to combine flexibility, drive and enthusiasm with a positive mental attitude to achieve objectives. Thorough and professional with the ability to communicate at all levels…

Career History

2004 – Now
Director of Training and Development, British Airways
2002 – 2004
Business Culture Manager, Whitbread Plc
2000 – 2002
Guest Service Manager, The Walt Disney Company
1998 – 2000
General Manager, Allied Domecq Restaurants & Bars

Career Details

Current role dates

Full company name

Location

Job title

Responsibilities

  • Development and implementation of business strategy, including marketing, recruitment, training and finance.
  • 100% profit & loss responsible.
  • Management of a large team and the standards of operation.

Achievements

  • Despite challenging market conditions, and a reduction in customers by 10%, the business has managed to exceed turnover levels.
  • Through product development on site, spend per head has increased in the three main income streams of memberships (+ 8.2%), catering (+ 13%) and retail (+ 21%).
  • The implementation of a number of cost control systems has meant that we have been able to improve on last years’ gross profit for the site by 5%.
  • Necessary staffing levels for the site have been minimised through the implementation of a multi-skilling training program, ensuring that we have a fully flexible workforce.
  • The development of a site strategy has ensured that all departments are focused on the same ultimate goal.

Career Details

Previous role dates

Previous company name

Location

Job title

Responsibilities

  • As before.

Achievements

  • As before.

Education

University of Wimbledon:
BA (Hons) Business Studies degree : 2:1
Eton College:
3 A Levels; 8 GCSE's

Interests

Sport:

Aerobics instructor, swimming, gym work, skiing, water-skiing.

General:

CV Preparation, Music, reading, good typing and computer skills, clean driving licence, good conversational French.