Key sections to include in your CV
1. PERSONAL DETAILS
Your personal details will be located at the top of your CV. You should include your name, address, phone number and email address. Ensure the data is clear and accurate. Double check email addresses and phone numbers. Review your email address and ensure it is professional.
2. PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
A professional summary, when delivered well, can excite the reader. Ideally, you should write four one line bullet points. You should amend your professional summary for each job application. It should communicate how you can add value and your suitability for the role. Deliver more impact by inserting some facts and achievements.
3. EDUCATION & TRAINING
Identify your key education and training. List this information in reverse chronological order, on the first page of your CV. Non-critical training can be listed under the “Additional Information” heading, on the second page of your CV. NB: If you don’t meet the minimum educational requirements, then move this section to the second page of your CV.
4. WORK HISTORY
List work experience in reverse chronological order. Include dates, company name and job title. Use bullet points to list duties and achievements. Deliver the content in short and snappy statements. There are exceptions to the reverse chronological rule, for example, if your most relevant work experience is earlier in your career. A “Relevant Work Experience” section allows you to bring this early career experience onto the first page.
5. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This section captures other information that may add weight to your application – other training, skills and achievements. Locate this section towards the end of the second page of your CV.
6. INTERESTS
Some job seekers question the importance of including this section in a CV. I think you should! Most employers will review this section. It provides you with an opportunity to highlight relevant interests. It provides you with an opportunity to showcase key achievements outside of work.
7. REFERENCES
You can list referees at the end of your CV. Employers generally aren’t too interested in references during the CV sifting stage, so most times it is enough to state “References available on request”.