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Student Careers Resources | CV Templates | Cover Letter

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Let's face it, some CVs are great, some are good, and others are outright dreadful. If you're looking for an example of a good CV for inspiration to help you write your perfect CV, you have come to the right place!

Below you will find two different types of CVs:

Excellent CV example: Professionally-written to impress employers and secure job interview invitations.

Bad CV example: An unimpressive and poorly-written CV with no chance of impressing the employer or securing job interviews.

Make sure yours doesn't look like this one!

We shall present a section-by-section breakdown of each of these CVs to give you tips on some of the best CV writing practices to follow, common mistakes to avoid and how to write an impressive CV that will secure job interviews.

Sounds amazing, right? Let's get started!

Example of an excellent CV

What makes this CV effective?

It has a great format and layout, making it easier to read.

Bullet points and short sentences and appropriately used.

The CV is fully tailored to the job the candidate is applying for.

A minimal amount of colour and design is used to improve the CV's presentation and visual appeal.

It includes all the information a standard CV should contain.

The same format for dates is used throughout the sections.

Example of a bad CV

What makes this CV ineffective?

At first glance, this CV example looks very generic, dull and boring.

It is poorly written and badly structured.

The CV contains vague statements which are not supported by real-world examples.

The CV contains too much irrelevant and/or outdated information.

The layout and presentation of information are unsatisfactory.

The font is inappropriate and difficult to read.

Section-by-section breakdown of the good and bad CVs

1. Personal details

The personal details section is located right at the top of your CV, and it is the first thing that a prospective employer will see.
Bad example:
Curriculum Vitae
Mark Taylor
Address: 66 Hendford Hill, Mouldsworth, WA6 8DE, United Kingdom
Tel: 07900257283
Email: coolguy007@hotmail.co.uk
DoB: 27 February 1985
Nationality: British
Gender: Male
Marital status: Single
Comments & tips for improvement:

1. Heading: The heading of A CV should be the candidate's full name written in large, bold letters and centred on the page (not Curriculum Vitae or CV).

2. Email: The email address should be professional (e.g. first and last name), definitely not something like coolguy007@hotmail.co.uk!

3. Address: No need to use the 'Address' prefix before the actual address and the address should be written as concisely as possible to save valuable space for more important information.

4. Nationality, date of birth, gender and marital status are optional details which are best left out of a CV unless there is a particular benefit for their inclusion.

Good example:
David Gibbons
57 Outlands Road, Dingley, LE16 9SJ
Mob: 079 3316 8158
Email: David.gibbons@live.co.uk

That's much better, right?

2. Personal Profile Statement

A personal profile is a short statement that tells the employer about your personal skills, qualities, experiences and career ambitions.
Bad example:
I am a hard-working individual who enjoys working. I am excellent at meeting deadlines. I have two years of experience in business, and I would like to contribute to a business with my excellent skills and past work experience.
Comments & tips for improvement:

1. The personal profile needs to be punchy and should outline the candidate's personal qualities as they relate to the role they are applying for.

2. The candidate should avoid using vague statements that are not specific enough to carry any weight or meaning. "Two years of experience in business"... what kind of experience? What did you do? "my excellent skills"... which skills? Try to be as specific as possible and include real-world examples in your personal profile statement!

3. All sections of a CV, excluding the personal details, should be appropriately labelled.

Good example:
Personal Profile Statement
A motivated, adaptable and responsible Computing graduate seeking a position in an IT position which will utilise the professional and technical skills developed through past work experiences in this field. I have a methodical, customer-focused approach to work and a strong drive to see things through to completion. In my current job, I have managed the launch and migration of two major IT systems which was completed on time and within budget.

3. Achievements

The achievements section, as the name suggests, contains a short list of impressive achievements or accomplishments that are a testimony of your skills, abilities, determination and desire to be successful.
Bad example:

Finished my college studies

Currently working as an IT support assistant

Comments & tips for improvement:

The statement "finished my college studies" is very vague, and it doesn't tell the employer anything about the candidate's academic performance or grades achieved. The point of this section is to impress the employer with key facts or figures, not ambiguous statements!

The candidate is not clear on why working as an IT support assistant is an achievement that they are particularly proud of.

Good example: Achievements
Very impressive!

The education section contains brief information about your education and qualifications background. Together with the employment and work experience section, it forms the bulk of your CV.
Bad example:
1991 - 1992 Collingham Gardens Nursery
1992 - 1996 Stamford Primary School
1996 - 2002 Hall Green Secondary School
2002 - 2004 A-Levels Sandwell Sixth Form College

October 2004 - June 2007 UCB, Birmingham BSc Psychology
Comments & tips for improvement:

The entries in this section need to be in chronological order (i.e. most recent first).

An undergraduate degree is one of the most important academic achievements of one's career and is an excellent selling point! The candidate should put much more focus on this qualification by mentioning grades and listing down relevant modules.

The degree classification/grade is missing.

This section contains too much irrelevant and outdated education! What is the point for a graduate to mention their nursery and primary school on their CV? As a rule of thumb, anything that does not strengthen or add value to one's application should be omitted.

Good example: Education and Training 2009 - 2013 BSc Computer Science (Hons) Aston University Relevant Modules:

1st Class Degree with Professional Placement
2007 - 2009 BTEC National Diploma in IT Hall Green College

Professional and Social Aspects of Computing (73%)

Data Modelling and Database Systems (59%)

Understanding Information Systems (93%)

Information Security (67%)

Human-Computer Interaction (80%)

2000 - 2007 Bournville Secondary School

Grade Achieved: Triple Distinction*

That's much better!

5. Employment and work history
Bad example:
The employment and work experience section of your CV contains information on your previous jobs and work history. Employers are particularly interested in this section because relevant work experience is highly valued and usually an essential requirement for many jobs.
Comments & tips for improvement: Good example: Employment history
Oct 2003 - Jun 2008 IT Support Officer Ladypool Warehouse Ltd. Jun 2008 - Present IT Manager Maplins Jan 1999 - Sept 2003 IT Admin West London Council
2011 - Present IT Support Assistant ABC Electronics Ltd.
2008 - 2011 IT Admin Tesco
2006 - 2008 IT Assistant M&M Electric Vehicles Ltd.
2005 Cleaner K Lacey Ltd.
2003 - 2005 Housekeeper Plaza Hotel
2002 Packer Packaging Products Ltd.
2000 - 2001 Cleaner TB Group Inc.
1996 - 1999 Various jobs Retail (sectors)

Mentoring and training new IT staff;

Researching, installing and configuring new computer systems;

Ensuring that all relevant licensing laws are adhered to;

Keeping up to date with the latest technologies.

Provided extensive IT support to internal and external stakeholders;

Installed and configured computer hardware operating systems and applications;

Monitored and maintained computer systems and networks;

Resolved, diagnosed and solved network problems and relevant software faults.

Produced Requirements Documentation (diagrams and workflow);

Maintained the computer network and information systems.

Bad example:
Perfect!
Comments & tips for improvement:
6. Qualifications
Good example:
The qualifications section is an optional part of your CV and should contain a list of your professional training, courses and/or qualifications.

2004 - 2007 BSc Psychology, University College Birmingham

The undergraduate degree is already mentioned in the education section, so there is no need to mention it here again.

This section should be removed from one's CV if the candidate does not have any other additional qualifications to list here.

Bad example: Comments & tips for improvement:

Level 3 N.V.Q. Employability Skills

MCSE, CISCO and Office365 Certifications

Good example:
7. Skills

In the skills section, you should include a list of your key skills and abilities that will enable you to do the advertised job well. Remember, only include skills that are relevant, transferable and add value to your application.

The items on the list are too vague and are not backed up by examples from real-life situations! It gives the impression that the candidate has just listed a bunch of skills just for the sake of listing them, without actually possessing these skills.

It is recommended to make entries in this section specific and descriptive

Bad example:
Looking at this skills list will give any employer the impression that this candidate knows exactly what they are talking about!
Comments & tips for improvement: Good example:
8. Hobbies and interests

You should use the hobbies and interests section of your CV to demonstrate that you're a well-rounded person who is engaged in extracurricular activities and the community.

I enjoy skiing, hiking, playing football, going to the gym, eating out with my friends, bird-watching and going to church on Sundays.

Hobbies and interests
I enjoy reading non-fiction books, building computer networks, solving puzzles and socialising with friends and family.
Bad example:
9. References
Comments & tips for improvement: Good example:
The references section is the final part of your CV containing the contact details of two people who know you well, have worked with you before and who can vouch for you to the employer.

If you decide not to include references on your CV, you can simply write " references available upon request."

Mr Evan
Tesco
Birmingham, West Midlands, B55 1KE, United Kingdom.
Tel: 078 4320 3833
E-mail: evan.sanders82@hotmail.com

Mrs Saima Khan
IT Executive
Maplins
Address: 24 St Denys Road, Postling, CT21 3QF
Tel: 0109 228 2091
Email: khan.s@flashelectronics.co.uk

Congratulations! You should now have a pretty good idea about how to write your perfect CV by following standard CV writing conventions and avoiding some common mistakes.

More CV examples

Check out the templates below for more CV samples:

Sales CV example

(Download: sales CV template)

Engineering CV example

(Download: engineering CV template)

Finance CV example

(Download: finance CV example)

Education CV example

(Download: education CV template)

Not found what you were looking for? Check out these great CV examples of more than 100+ jobs from 18 different job sectors!

Different types of CVs - which format is appropriate for you?

School leaver CV

A school leaver CV is an ideal format for young people who have just finished school or college and have little or no work experience. This CV template is also recommended for those just entering the world of work.

The ideal length of this CV should be 1 A4 page long.

The candidate should place a lot of emphasis on transferable skills, qualities and abilities rather than on work experience or qualifications.

Graduate CV

A graduate CV is an ideal format for university students, graduates and young professionals who possess at least an undergraduate degree and some work experience. This CV template is also the recommended format for most people.

The ideal length of this CV should be 2 A4 pages long.

Candidates should put a lot of focus on relevant qualifications, work experience or professional training.

Skills-based CV
1. Use short sentences and bullet points
A skills-based CV, also known as a functional CV, is an ideal format for candidates that do not have the relevant qualifications or work experience but do have transferable skills that could help them do the job well.

A lot of emphases should be put on skills, abilities and personal qualities that would be useful for the advertised role.

Each skill or quality needs to be backed up by real-world examples (i.e. how and where these skills were used in real-life situations).

Academic CV

An academic CV, as the name suggests, is a CV format that is used by teachers, researchers and academics. Academic CVs are used to apply for teaching or research positions and focus highly on academic merit and qualifications.

Unlike conventional CVs, they also have several additional sections dedicated to research interests, publications, conference presentations, teaching activities, awards and professional memberships.

There is no ideal length for this CV format because it largely depends on the candidate's level of experience, education, seniority, etc. Typically, they are between 3-5 pages long.

BONUS: CV writing tips

It is important to remember that recruiters tend to scan CVs rather than read them in detail. Using short sentences and bullet points will improve the legibility and impact of your CV.

2. Select an appropriate font

The most common recommended fonts for writing a CV are Times New Romans (12 pt), Arial (11 pt), Verdana (11 pt) and Helvetica (12 pt).
Good luck!
3. Tailor your CV to the particular job

Each CV should be carefully amended and tailored to the job for which you are applying. Only include relevant information on your CV and use the same key phrases and terms as the job advertisement.

4. Use CV templates and examples

Some applicants make the mistake of writing their CV from scratch. You don't have to reinvent the wheel! Be more time-efficient by using CV templates and CV examples for guidance and inspiration.

5. Get expert help & advice

Writing a perfect CV is an art! It is a good idea to have your CV checked out by careers professionals who are specialised in job applications.

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CV Examples | Example of a good CV (+ biggest mistakes to avoid!)

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Let's face it, some CVs are great, some are good, and others are outright dreadful. If you're looking for an example of a good CV for inspiration to help you write your perfect CV, you have come to the right place!

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by Michael Cheary

The first rule of job interview preparation? There's no such thing as too much job interview preparation...

More than half of us admit to leaving a job interview feeling as if our preparation wasn't up-to-scratch. And with so much to remember before the big day, it's easy to see how some people can find themselves overwhelmed.

To help take some of the hard work out of your hands, here's our comprehensive pre-interview checklist:

1. Research, research, research

Chances are that you did a fair amount of research on the company when you first applied for the job. However, it's not just the general stuff a recruiter expects you to know. It's time to get granular.

Do as much as you can to learn about the market the business is in, find out some specifics about your role, and even look up more about your interviewer if you're feeling brave (on LinkedIn, not Facebook). Remember: you're researching, not stalking.

2. Practice your route

Some people like leaving things to the last minute. Interviewers do not like these people.

That's because it's these sorts of people who will often leave the journey as an afterthought, usually ending up struggling to navigate their phone's GPS as they make the mad-dash to arrive at the interview on time.

Find out how to get where you need to go, and practice the journey if you have time. Trust us. It's worth every extra minute just to avoid the awkward chit-chat when you arrive 10 minutes late.

3. Polish your interview answers

Being caught off-guard by an unconventional interview question is every job seeker's worst nightmare.

Unfortunately you can't always predict what questions will come up. Luckily, we've gathered together some of the best, ranging from old classics like 'where do you see yourself in five years' time' through to 'what animal would you be, and why?', to help you prepare for every eventuality.

Not sure any of these questions will come up? Don't panic. We've got plenty more...

Download James Reed's new book: Why You? 101 Interview Questions You'll Never Fear Again and learn to ace every one that comes your way.

4. Prepare your own questions

One of the keys to success at any interview is learning to treat it like a two-way conversation.

An employer doesn't just want to see how you can stand up to their interrogation, but also see if you can give as good as you get. It also demonstrates how much you really want the role.

In fact, nine out of ten recruiters we surveyed agreed that candidates should come with some pre-prepared questions for every interview.

So think what you'd really like to know about the role, and write it down. Or you could just read our list of questions you should be asking. That too.

5. Get your outfit sorted

How you look at an interview plays a big part in giving out a good first impression.

Underdress, and you'll look as if you're not taking the role as seriously as you should. Overdress, and you'll potentially stand out as a bad fit for the team.

Our advice is to go with something slightly smarter than the company's everyday attire. And it doesn't always mean a suit. If you're struggling, call ahead of time and ask for guidance from someone in their HR team, or take a trip to the office in advance.

Just try not to hang around too long... (See: stalking).

6. All the extras

Think of anything else you may need to take with you to the interview.

For example, a copy of your CV is always handy if you need a point of reference for your accomplishments, and a pad and pen may be useful if any written tasks happen to come up.

Other optional extras could include, but are not limited to, the following: certificates or records of achievement, a reference from a previous employer, client testimonials, a bottle of water, breath mints (trust us), a small but particularly stylish umbrella.

Go with your instincts.

7. On the day

On the day of the interview, leave yourself as much time as possible to finish off your preparations.

Have a balanced breakfast/lunch/brunch/all of the above, take your time getting ready, leave the house in plenty of time, and arrive to the building early.

Once you're in, there's no turning back. Be as friendly and polite as possible from the outset, and greet everyone you meet warmly. You never know who the receptionist might be reporting to.

8. Relax

Finally, try your best to relax and enjoy the experience.

We know it's often easier said than done, but the more confident you come across, the more likely you are to put your interviewer at ease.

And with the preparation taken care of, there should be nothing left to worry about...
Still searching for your perfect position? Have a look at all of our current vacancies now

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by Michael Cheary More than half of us admit to leaving a job interview feeling as if our preparation wasn't up-to-scratch. And with so much to remember before the big day, it's easy to see how some people can find themselves overwhelmed.