A CV is a useful tool. It allows you to quickly and effectively apply for a job you may have seen advertised. You can leave it with prospective employers at career fairs so they can learn more about you, or even use it to apply speculatively for positions at companies who are not actively recruiting.

It is important to remember that there is no one method of designing a CV, but there are some basic rules that you must remember to follow. Below are some basic examples of different CV formats, your aim is to design a CV that works for you and delivers you the results.

CV Guide - graduate format

This CV is designed for graduates who are looking for a graduate scheme, who have little or no work experience. The emphasis of this CV is your academic experience, your key achievements, key skills and relevant work experience. This CV gives the reader a snap shot of each particular academic stage; University, A levels and GCSE's. Below highlights the layout of this method.

The CV header: This may include amongst other information, name, contact details, date of birth and nationality.

Optional profile summary: This should contain no more than one paragraph about yourself.

The following Information should be presented in reverse chronological order, this has the effect of focusing the readers attention on your most recent, significant information.

University life

Qualifications: Here you enter your degree, postgraduate or higher national qualifications. The degree/postgraduate can be explained in reasonable detail, decide what are your most relevant components of the qualification.

Key achievements: It is a good idea to highlight any awards that you have received e.g. academic achievement or head of a society etc.

Skills: These are skills gained while at University, in addition to qualifications and experience. Common personal skills are of interest to all employers. Choose words that create the right image for example communicating, organising, team working, interpersonal, flexible, energetic.

Work experience: Can include a description of each job, broken down into duties and responsibilities.