CV examples

This page shows you different types and examples of CVs and cover letters.

There is no perfect CV, nor any one way to write one. It is important that your CV or cover letter contain your own words as they are your documents. Employers want to know about you, and at an interview may notice that what you say does not match what you have written.

Here are the most common types of CVs and samples for you to adopt or amend to fit with who you are and what you are applying for. Choose the style that best suits your experience and skills based on the requirements of the job/company.

»: Skills-based CV

»: Vocational CV

»: Academic CV

»: Modern CV

»: Traditional CV

»: CV headings

»: CV4Me (interactive CV building tool)

Skills-based CV

This is the most common CV for most students and graduates. The CV is designed to highlight the relevance of the skills gained from different activities besides work.

Use a skills-based CV if:

Your experiences are not obviously relevant.
You have changed jobs frequently.
You have a wide range of experiences.
You are looking to change career direction.
You don’t have a lot of work experience.

Examples

Skills-based cover letter - John Radovan (45 KB PDF)

Skills-based CV - John Radovan (84 KB PDF)

Skills-based cover letter - Joy Knight (45 KB PDF)

Skills-based CV - Joy Knight (90 KB PDF)

Vocational CV

This CV is best used for those who are applying for jobs that require specialised skills gained from their studies (eg, doctors, nurses, and teachers). The emphasis of this CV is to highlight relevant training and practical experience for example practicum and what the student gained from it.

Use a vocational CV if:

You are applying for a vocational role.
You are applying for a role that requires specialised skills.
You are applying for a role that requires a specific format.

Examples

Vocational CV - Samantha Long (108 KB PDF)

Vocational cover letter - Samantha Long (53 KB PDF)

Vocational CV - Jane Glorious (871 KB PDF)

Vocational CV - Paul Newman (112 KB PDF)

Vocational cover letter - Paul Newman (26 KB PDF)

Academic CV

This CV is best used for those wanting to apply for academic or research roles. The focus of this CV is to highlight research skills, academic knowledge and achievements for example publications.

Use an academic CV if you are applying for an academic/research role.

Example

Academic CV - Rupert Forrest (17 KB PDF)

Modern CV

This CV is best used if you have some relevant skills and experience but not enough for a traditional CV. The CV highlights the key strengths gained from relevant areas as well as work experience and any achievements.

Use a modern CV if:

You have a few years of relevant experience either in the role, company or industry.
You want to demonstrate some of your achievements.
You want to highlight the key skills that are relevant to the role you are applying for.
You are looking to change jobs into a new area but have had a long work history elsewhere.

Examples

Modern CV - Stephen Uelese (29 KB PDF)

Modern CV - Craig Jefferson (38 KB PDF)

Modern CV - Jo Jones (25 KB PDF)

Modern cover letter - Craig Jefferson (43 KB PDF)

Traditional CV

This CV is best used for those with a lot of relevant knowledge and experience in the area that they are applying for. The CV highlights work experience so is typically used by those with a lot of relevant experience or those going into senior roles.

Use a traditional CV if:

You have a lot of relevant experience over a long period of time.
You want to highlight what you have done.
You want to show who you have worked for.
You want to demonstrate your progression over time.

Examples

Traditional CV - Jimmy Smith (52 KB PDF)

Traditional cover letter - Jimmy Smith (14 KB PDF)

CV headings

Below are some suggested headings you can use in your CV - you may include others, but remember to be selective, and only use what is relevant to the company and position that you are applying for.

Suggested headings and content in your CV	Comments
Contact details Address, phone, email	This section is always first. Your name should be prominent. Maybe include citizenship.
Personal profile/ statement, or career objective, or highlights Knowledge, skills, work experience, personal qualities, career objective/motivation	These sections are optional. Show what you have to offer that is relevant to the position. This is where you can show your interest and enthusiasm for the position. Identify your personal qualities and skills.
Skills summary/ strengths For example: Communication skills Teamwork skills Computer skills Problem-solving skills	List your specialist and transferable skills that are relevant to the job, and provide short examples of how you have used them. Indicate what level of skill you have.
Education or qualifications Qualifications Relevant courses/papers Special projects Thesis topic Awards and achievements School activities	Usually listed in reverse chronological order, so that the most recent is listed first.
Work experience or employment history Work experience or shadowing Internships Community involvement Voluntary work Paid work	Also usually listed in reverse chronological order. Include months and years to show how long you were there. Give job title, organisation and location, with a brief description of duties. List achievements.
Interests or extra-curricular activities Leisure activities/hobbies Involvement in student clubs or societies Membership of professional associations Other areas of involvement	This section is optional, however many employers gain insights about you from your interests.
Referees Referee contact details: name, job title, address, telephone number, email	This section is always last. Include 2-3 people as academic, professional or character referees. Make sure you have their permission!