Which CV style to choose
What style of CV you choose will largely come down to your personal circumstances. Whether you place emphasis on your skills or work history, by placing either of these sections at the front of your CV, is the major difference between the two CV styles advocated on this website:
- Work-focused CV
- Skills-focused CV
Skills-focused CV
The skills-focused CV places emphasis on your skills by having them at the front of your CV. If you decide on a skills-focused CV, you may decide to keep the work history information you include in your CV to a minimum, or leave it out altogether if you are applying for your first job.
Use a skills-focused CV if:
- you want to place emphasis on your skills over your work history
- you are applying for your first job or only have limited employment history
- you are re-entering the job market after a long absence.
- you want to emphasise your work history over your skills
- you want to emphasise your career progression.
- you are entering the job market for the first time
- you are entering the job market after a long absence.
Examples
Skills-focused CV – Example:
Skills-focused Example CV
Skills-focused CV – Blank template:
Skills-focused CV Template
Work-focused CV
A work-focused CV puts emphasis on your work history by having it at the front of your CV. If you choose a work-focused CV, you may decide to keep the information you include in the skills section to a minimum.
Use a work-focused CV if:
Don’t use one if:
Examples
Work-focused CV – Example:
Work-focused Example CV
Cover Letters
You should always include a cover letter as part of a job application. A cover letter should be job specific, so tailor your cover letter for each job you apply for.
The cover letter example and template provided here are in a basic format that will meet the requirements of most jobs. However, some professional or specialist roles will require more detail. Don’t let your covering letter be an afterthought. A great covering letter is your chance to wow employers with your enthusiasm and highlight the most relevant parts of your CV.
Examples
Cover letter – Example:
Cover Letter Example
Cover letter – Blank template:
Cover Letter Template