The CV Layout

Once you have gathered all your information, you can start putting it down on to paper. Ideally, your CV should consist of the following sections:

1. Personal details

This section will include your name, address and other details personal to you. Remember though, you don't want to take up too much space with this section, as you want to quickly progress on to the real substance of your CV - your skills, qualifications and experience.

People often include too many irrelevant details in at this point, and whilst it may be very interesting that you were born in Croydon, it is unlikely to be the reason that you're invited for an interview! You should also avoid giving details such as your age, your state of health, your marital status and whether or not you have any children, as these can sometimes be used to discriminate against you.

Only include details that you think support your application as a candidate for the job. For instance, you could mention that you have a clean driving licence if you were applying for a job as a sales rep.

Try to avoid the old-fashioned and stilted way of presenting your name and address:

Name: Joe Bloggs
Address: 99 Letsby Avenue
Telephone: 0131 654321

A much more effective way is simply to write your name and details, and centre them on the page like this:

Joe Bloggs
99 Letsby Avenue
Edinburgh
EH12 3AB
0123 654321

By presenting your name in this human and straightforward fashion you have made a statement about yourself. It also allows you to be slightly less formal with your CV whilst still being professional and supplying all the important information.

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