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CV Writing
Your CV is a very important document that sells your skills and abilities
to potential employers. This information should enable you to put together
the right CV for the right situation.
If you are finding that you are applying for jobs, but are failing
to get interviews, it could be that your CV is at fault and you are underselling
yourself.
Length
There is no correct length for a CV. However, the length should reflect
your skills and experiences, however, we suggest:
| Level Attained |
CV Length (A4 paper) |
| GCSE/'A' Levels/Equivalent |
No more than one side |
| Recent Degree/HND/HNC |
No more than two sides |
| Experienced/PhD |
Variable |
Layout
You should select a layout with which you are happy.
Preparation is important. You should be concise, but do not miss out
any vital information.
When applying for scientific jobs concentrate on any scientific employment,
listing responsibility and achievements. Place other temporary or holiday
jobs together, e.g.
1996-1998: Various temporary jobs
If you have no employment experience in the scientific field increase the
detail about your science education, i.e. focus on your strengths in science.
When listing your references, save vital space simply by using the phrase
"available on request". If your CV does spill on to another page,
references could be included.
Non-graduates
- There is no need for personal information to take up more than a fifth
of a page of A4.
- All GCSE/'A' Level results and any relevant work experiences should
be included.
- Interests should be highlighted.
Recent Graduates
- Again there is no need for personal information to cover more than
a fifth of a side of A4.
- Include an aim, such as:-
"To find employment as a junior scientist or technician
to launch my scientific career"
- Concentrate on your most recent education, i.e. your degree, giving
details of your course title, result, outline of courses and give the
title of your dissertation/final year project with a short paragraph
of detail. In bullet point form, list your achievements/skills.
- Only give brief details of GCSE's, e.g. "8 GCSE's-including Maths,
English and Science."
- For 'A' Levels, just give your results.
Post-Doctorates
- You should still follow the basic CV format, i.e. only a fifth of
a side of A4 on personal information and truncated early education.
- Your degree should still be important but do not include as much detail.
- The majority of your CV should be taken up with your research information.
However do not neglect the fact that you have been working for 3-4 years
and you may have developed other, non-scientific skills in organisation/presentation/management/etc..
- Include papers, conferences or presentations.
- When registering with an agency it is often a good idea to send in
2 CV's. One is a full CV which can be used when looking for jobs, and
the second is a "dumbed down" version which could be used for
securing temporary work to see you through. The latter should contain
a statement saying you are prepared to do any work.
Experienced
- People with experience in the scientific industry still need to pay
attention to their CV. Many people undersell themselves by missing out
too much detail.
- Your work experiences should make up the majority of your CV (work
details should be placed before education). The more experience you
have the longer the CV can be. If you have had many jobs then a table
could be advisable.
Style
- Choose a sensible font as this or this look unprofessional.
- Use the same font all the way through.
- Underline or embolden points but do not do both (and be consistent).
- Check all spelling.
- Bullet points/concise lists are good.
Agency CV's
- These should be of a more general nature.
- When sending your CV it is often advisable to send with it a an extra
sheet with a list of skills gained at university or in industry. Include
even minor skills.
- Agencies often use computerized databases and this may aid your selection.
- Also indicate in a covering letter whether you are prepared to relocate,
if you have your own transport (and how far you will commute) and an
approximate wage (remember that the average new graduate working in
science gets around £9000).
Covering Letter
- When applying for jobs it is often required for you to send in a covering
letter along with your CV.
- This letter should be hand-written and gives you a useful opportunity
to highlight parts of your CV that are of particular relevance to the
position for which you are applying.
- You should also aim to state what you wish to gain from employment
by this company, e.g.
"following my degree I wish to continue in the scientific
environment and increase my knowledge of science"
- Also, this is a good chance to say what you can offer the company.
Use positive words, e.g. enthusiasm, dedication, energetic,
hard work, team working, flexibility. You need
to come across as though you have something to offer the company.
- Always address the letter to the correct person and make sure the
name is spelt correctly.
Some CV Do's and Don'ts
| Do's |
Don'ts |
| REMEMBER, your CV is a selling document.
Its purpose is to get you an interview. |
Be creative - stick to a standard
format. |
| It must be brief, to the point and
demonstrate continuity. |
Use colourful paper or designs on
your CV. |
| Use of a word processor is recommended
|
Write about yourself in the third
person, i.e. he has worked to a consistent level, etc. |
| Presentation is important. |
Attempt to be humorous. |
| Check spelling, punctuation, etc.
|
Self praise excessively. |
| Read the details of the post carefully
and tailor your CV to meet the requirements of the job. |
Overdo your hobbies - if you have
no hobbies use space for other details. Do try to include hobbies
relevant to the job, such as those demonstrating teamwork and commitment.
|
| Stress the skills you have which are
particularly relevant for the post you seek. |
Use large print. |
| Be positive about your achievements. |
|
| Include all previous experience, in
reverse chronological order, do not leave gaps. |
FINALLY - REMEMBER YOU ONLY GET 3 SECONDS TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION
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