Writing a CV

There are some important differences between German and English CVs.

German CVs include some things that other nations find really, really strange!


The following things should not be in English CVs:

1) The words "Curriculum Vitae" or CV at the top of the page. I have never understood this. If it isn't obvious from looking at the page that it's a CV, you're doing something wrong. The title should be your name.

2) Marital status. Not only is it not relevant to your job qualification, it's wrong for the employer to give you the job based on your marital status.

3) Place of birth. Unless this is really relevant to the job (for example, because the job is in that location), this isn't important information. Same goes for nationality (unless it is related to the job because of visas, job location, or to highlight language knowledge).


Some general tips:

- Always tailor your CV to the job, and imagine who's reading it.
- Start with the most relevant information and/or the most recent activity.
- There are some good websites with advice and model CVs, e.g. http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/cvexamples.htm

There are two main types of CVs, both are good, and you can even do a combination of both.

1) Chronological CVhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/cv1.htm 
http://www2.open.ac.uk/students/_data/documents/careers/mohammed-hafiz-cv.pdf?go=1
http://www2.open.ac.uk/students/_data/documents/careers/daniel-rossi-cv.pdf?go=1
Personally, I think if you have a motivation letter, you don't need a personal statement.

2) Skills-based CV
http://www2.open.ac.uk/students/_data/documents/careers/elizabeth-page-cv.pdf?go=1
http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/maturecv.htm