Chronological CVs

To be effective, the chronological CV should be tailored to the essential and desirable job criteria. The most familiar British format, this is actually written in reverse chronological order. It can be used for non-academic job applications in any field, although you might consider writing a skills-based CV if moving away from research to a new field.

The chronological CV is easy for an employer to read and relatively easy to put together, but may draw attention to gaps or frequent job moves. A similar structure is used for an academic CV.

Before you begin, look at the general advice on writing CVs and making applications.

Chronological CV structure

Personal details - clearly laid out, but not occupying too much valuable space on the front page. Make contact details unambiguous.

Education - most recent first. Include what is relevant, ie no need for a long list of GCSEs or all your degree modules. Include a very brief description of your research degree(s) in language appropriate to the employer.

Employment history - again, most recent first. You could separate this into two sections if some of your work experience is less relevant than others. Give most prominence to ‘Relevant work experience', detailing achievements, skills gained and responsibilities. ‘Other work experience' could then go into a separate section with less detail.

Positions of responsibility - both inside and outside work.

Skills - eg languages, IT, interpersonal skills. Focussed on the job criteria and with brief outline of supporting evidence.

Training and development - if relevant to the job application.

Interests - include relevant interests, giving sufficient detail to provide evidence of relevant skills for the job.

References - usually two. ALWAYS ask permission first. Either give full details or write ‘available on request'.

The above headings are suggestions only. Tailor the CV to the job as well as making the CV your own by using headings appropriate to your own experience. Ideally, it should be no longer than two A4 pages.

Create a structure that tells your own career ‘story'.

Marketing your research experience

Your research will be a significant part of your experience and it is important to think about how to present this in a way that is appropriate to the role for which you are applying. Always consider the nature of your audience before deciding how to present your research within your CV. Further headings might include:

Research dissemination - reports, articles, etc (evidence of written communication skills)

Presentations - given at seminars, conferences, professional meetings (evidence of oral communication skills).