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CV contents

prerequisites for a strong CV

"With a solid CV framework in place, make the best impression by including these key essentials:"

Name

Your name should be the title of your CV — avoid using “Curriculum Vitae.” It’s a simple differentiator.

Contact Details

Place your email address and mobile number just beneath your name.

Executive Summary / Profile

Write a short, punchy profile highlighting your strengths and attributes. This is your chance to sell yourself.

Career History

List roles in reverse chronological order. Focus more detail on recent positions and reduce progressively for earlier roles. Include:

      • Dates of employment

      • Company name (avoid abbreviations unless part of the brand)

      • Nature of business (brief overview, especially if not widely recognised)

      • Position held (be specific, avoid over-expanding)

      • Roles and responsibilities (personalise to your actual contributions, not just the job description)

      • Key achievements (bullet points with facts and figures wherever possible, e.g. “Reduced requisition costs by 15%, saving £35,000 in a year”)

Education, Professional Qualifications and Training

Keep this concise. Summarise in reverse chronological order. Proof may be required later, so only include accurate details.

Languages

List any language skills with your level of proficiency — a valuable asset in diverse workplaces.

Information Technology

Highlight relevant IT skills, but keep it brief unless IT is central to the role.

Interests, Activities and Personal Details

Add a genuine, concise snapshot of interests outside work. Keep it short to avoid the impression of conflicts with work. Include your full address, marital status, and whether you hold a driver’s licence.

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