Tips for Writing your Curriculum Vitae

Before starting, make sure you are familiar with what the role you are applying for entails. Once you have understood the employer's requirements you can start tailoring your CV (and cover letter and/or personal statement) to that particular instance.


- Write an effective personal statement and tailor this to each application you are sending off

- A CV should be no longer than 3 pages

- Make sure the CV looks well-organized and tidy. If the job asks for the CV in a standardized format (such as the Europass) make sure you produce such a CV

- Avoid fancy fonts, and make sure all fonts are clearly legible (Ideally use one font for the entire document)

- Don't just run spell-check software on your CV; read through it more than once and give it to a friend to read over

- Be brief and to the point

- Show what you have achieved and what you have learnt

- Think about the skills and characteristics you would like the employer to know you have acquired and can bring to his/her organization

- Adding a photograph to your CV is optional, but think about whether you would like the employer to focus on your work rather than your appearance