Oxford

COMMENTS ON SIAN MAGELLAN’S CV OPPOSITE
OVERALL:
• Looks easy to read.
• Text and dates aligned, no full-stops
and plenty of ‘white space’ around text
• Consistent use of headings, capitals
and bold text provide clear signposting.
• No jargon or acronyms which may
muddle understanding.
APPLICATION ESSENTIALS
BULLET POINTS
• Separate bullet points cover only one idea, skill, or
activity.
• Bullets start with active verbs: all aligned to left
hand margin for ease of scanning.
• Bullets include results, showing how and where
Sian added value.
• Numbers, percentages and values add clarity and
give a sense of scale.
D
OTHER FORMS OF CV
Some roles may allow for, or invite, different
forms of CV.
Creative CVs:
If you are applying for a ‘creative’ role, in
advertising or design for example, they
may look favourably upon an infographic or
otherwise visually unusual CV. This allows
you to project something of your style and
personality and can demonstrate your ability
and skill communicating information clearly in
a creative and striking way.
Academic CVs:
There is no upper limit on the number of
pages expected in a CV for an academic
post. If applying for a postdoc, fellowship,
lectureship or research assistant post, make
sure your CV has:
• Sections for professional
memberships, publications, and
conference presentations/posters at
the end.
• A focus on areas specific to academia,
such as research experience, teaching
experience and any university/college
administration or committee work.
• Details of successful bids for awards,
grants and collaborations.
• Referee details – usually three – ideally
academics who both know you and
are recognised in your field.
It can take a number of revisions before
you are happy with your CV, and getting
independent advice can prove very helpful: it
might all make perfect sense to you, but you
could be surprised by the things that others
may question or not understand. Make an
appointment and ask for feedback from a
Careers Adviser (p.5).
Applications
outside the UK:
Expectations and
conventions for what is
acceptable in a CV can
vary between countries:
e.g. German CVs normally
have a photograph at the
top, but never do in the UK
or USA. If applying outside
the UK, search the web
for country-specific current
practice or:
• See our advice on
Working in Different
Countries (pp.23-24).
• Check the Going
Global country
reports: go to
www.careers.ox.ac.
uk/GOINGLOBAL
Is your CV ready to send out now?
We recommend a few final checks:
1. First, for a specific position,
re-check the job description
and ensure that you are putting
forward your best case – that
everything included is relevant.
2. Second, ALWAYS check carefully
for errors and typos: many
recruiters will dismiss even the
most qualified candidate if there
is even one typo in the CV, cover
letter or application form!
3. Finally:
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Hold your CV at arms-length
– does it look easy to read?
]]
Fold it vertically and scan the
left side in 10 seconds:
Will the reader get
the gist of your
application?
Are your strongest
skills immediately
visible?
]]
Check for jargon and
acronyms, and over-long
bullets - edit vigorously.
]]
Is it the right length?
Some employers
(e.g. investment banks)
expect just one page, so
check beforehand.
Aim for a maximum of
two pages, except for
an academic CV.
]]
Save and submit your CV as
a PDF to ensure it keeps its
beautiful formatting.
]]
Finally, finally, take a good
break and then proofread
- yes, again! - double
checking for errors and
typos.
www.careers.ox.ac.uk 43