09512 Guide to Creating a CV

Your guide to

Creating a CV University of Winchester 2026 1

University of Winchester Careers and Opportunities | Guide to Creating a CV

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Index Introduction

3

What is the purpose of a CV

3

Three important things to know

3

Making a start

4

What should be on a CV?

6

Formats

6

CV sections in more detail

7

Making the most of your student experience

9

Using AI to help create a CV

9

Common CV FAQs

10

Six CV examples

11

Using convincing language (Power Words – examples)

12

Introduction CVs are one of the most important documents you will create while you are at university. But we know the idea of writing one can be daunting. This guide breaks the task down into sections and will make the process easier for you.

What is the purpose of a CV? CV stands for Curriculum Vitae. Its purpose is to show an employer how suitable you are for the role. A CV alone won’t get you a job or opportunity, but it will help you get through to the next stage of the selection

There is no single, perfect design or format for a CV.

process. The trick is to make it relevant, impressive and

Different sectors may require the focus to be on

easy to read. Think of it as your shop window; showing

different details, but all CVs need to be clear, concise,

all the good things you have to offer an employer.

powerful documents explaining why you are a candidate worth shortlisting or interviewing.

Although you can use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help create your CV (more on this later in the guide),

Three important things to know

it’s the content - in other words your unique skills and experience - that will get you the job. Writing your

1.

Your CV must be tailored to the job/placement/

CV can help you identify what strengths you have, as

opportunity you are applying for. This is the key

well as what professional experience and training you

to success. This means you will need to rewrite

may be lacking. So, making a start on a CV now can be

parts of it for each different application. But you

a useful exercise for your professional development.

can create a general one using the frameworks

Don’t forget your Careers Team is here to help you

suggested in this guide, which you can then edit for

when you need advice and guidance on building that

each different job you go for. However, create your

experience, managing your career and getting your

CV with a job or a sector in mind.

dream job.

2.

Because CVs are often shared between recruiters,

There are definitely some dos and don’ts with CVs. This

especially if uploaded to an agency or large

guide will help you understand these and give you all the

employer, it is very important that you are careful

tips you need.

about the amount of personal information on your CV. Don’t put your full address, or the names and

Read through this guide before you start your CV!

addresses of other individuals, on the document.

3.

The Education and Work/Professional Experience sections should be completed in reverse chronological order. This means listing the most recent items first. See example below.

Example of chronological order

Education BSc Computer Science, University of Winchester

2025-2028

3 A Levels, 9 GCSEs, Adam Smith High School, London

2017-2025

Professional experience

3

IT Help desk Analyst, ABC Inc, Southampton

2025-2026

IT Support Assistant, LA Law, London

2023-2025

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Making a start CVs take time to create. We want you to have a great document that you are excited to submit to employers. Here in the Careers Team we recommend getting started as soon as possible, even if you don’t have anything to apply for just yet.

We have some short videos on How to Create CVs on Career Connect. Watch these as well: CV Bitesize Videos

Put yourself in the shoes of a recruiter

would like and read the job descriptions. Examine the organisation’s website and follow them on LinkedIn and social media. You can pick up a lot of information on careers and company culture this way.

Discover the key words you need As you do that, pick out the key words and key phrases that are used. These are the typical descriptors employers and sectors use for the skills and experiences they’re looking for. Sometimes jargon, sector-based abbreviations and acronyms are used.

Here are some examples:

It’s expensive and time-consuming to look for staff,

IT sector

interns and placement students. Recruiters want to get

Perform business analysis, offer both on-site and

the right person.

remote user experience support, support data-driven

Employers want: F

The CV to be easy to read.

F

To see you have the skills and experience to do the job.

decision making.

Health and social care sector: Identify, provide and supervise therapeutic activities, audit nutritional needs of patients, working knowledge and understanding of IDDSI protocols.

F

To see you are reliable and responsible.

F

To understand you will fit into their organisation.

F

To know it’s worth short-listing you through to the

research and advise legislators, show aptitude for and

next stage.

work towards a CIPS qualification.

Do your research Because everything on your CV has to be relevant to the person who is reading it, it will be a lot easier if you have an idea of the employer/ job type/sector you want to work for. So, before you start creating the document, do some research to find out more about what employers

4

are looking for. Look at the adverts for jobs you

Civil Service: Scrutinise and make recommendations on policy,

Make a list of the keywords and phrases that keep cropping up. You will need to use these a lot on your CV to describe your skills and experiences. It means you and the employer are talking the same language and it shows you understand their world and will fit in. In addition, many recruitment techniques are programmed to look for these key words.

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5

Understand an organisation’s values

Use convincing language to describe your skills and experience

The values and mission-statements of companies

Certain words, usually verbs in the past tense, really

and organisations are extremely important. They are

help to make your CV stand out. These are sometimes

stated on the company websites, and you will be

called power words (see Section 12 for a list). They are

expected to demonstrate how you meet those values

commanding and decisive. They can also help you to

in your professional experiences. Most companies

identify exactly what you have achieved in your studies

and organisations will also accept examples of values

and work experience. Don’t underestimate the level of

demonstrated outside of work:- for instance as a

professional experience you may have already gained.

member of a sports team, through voluntary work or a

For example: at your part-time job, getting the coffee

student society. The stated values are also key words

shop ready to open in the morning can be described as

to use. Here’s an example from an employer’s website:

‘Supervised a team of kitchen and front-of-house staff

Gen II’s power is our people, who embrace our values:

in preparation to serve more than 100 customers in a

impact, growth, and community.

three hour period.’

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What should be on a CV?

Don’t: F

performer and your appearance is relevant).

A CV should be a document that’s no more than two pages long and has the following sections (although not

F

Put your age or date of birth on a CV

necessarily in this order):

F

Put your full address on a CV

F

Put your references’ identity and contact details on a

F

Your details: name, email, phone number, LinkedIn

CV (only state “references available on request”)

page (and link to a showreel/portfolio if needed).

Include location if you are looking for work in a

F

specific region.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Profile section: a paragraph outlining your relevant

Many employers and organisations use computer

skills, strengths and experience for the job.

programmes or Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to

F

Education: focusing on your degree.

F

Technical skills: (not always applicable). IT, digital or sector-specific skills, training and proficiencies.

F

Work/voluntary experience: stating the job title, employer, dates of employment and relevant responsibilities and achievements.

F

Extra-curricular achievements: awards, prizes, certifications etc. Focus on those that are relevant to the job or evidence skills such as leadership, projectmanagement, problem-solving etc.

F

sift through the CVs they get. If you are applying for a Graduate Scheme, Internships, Sandwich years and to large employers such as PWC, BBC, IBM, Civil Service, NHS etc, this is highly likely to be the case.

Some ATS don’t “read” lines, text boxes, colours, graphics etc. Your CV is unlikely to be short-listed as a result.

Also, the ATS has been programmed to search for those key words (see above), so make sure you use them. In addition, don’t use abbreviations and acronyms for nonprofessional certifications and organisations i.e. “DofE Gold” for Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award.

Statement that ‘References are available on request’.

Formats

Creative Industries If you are applying for work in the creative sectors, you may be tempted to show your creativity with

A CV should be a Word document, or PDF, and stored on

colours, pictures, unusual designs etc. Sometimes

your laptop ready to send out as soon as you need it. You

these employers state they want a creative and unusual

can either create the document yourself using margins,

application in which case, use your design skills. But

paragraphing, bullet points etc, or use an online CV

don’t forget, your portfolio or showreel is the medium to

template. The bitesize videos have more on formatting:

showcase your creative ability.

CV Bitesize Videos. There are several online sites that

If you are confident that your CV will be personally seen

offer free templates and the Canva design tool also has

by an employer and you want to stand out, you may

CV templates. Whichever way you choose to create your

like to add a creative touch (see Music Production CV

CV, make sure it is neat and easy to read. Employers

example). Also, CVs for actors and performers require

often initially skim-read a CV and need it to be clear and

a different format (see Actor Performer CV example).

simple. Messy and cluttered designs do not get read!

However, in most instances, we recommend you play it safe and keep your CV simple. The unique skills, strengths

Do: F

Use one font throughout. We recommend Arial, Calibri or Tahoma.

6

Put your photograph on a CV (unless you are a

F

Use black font on a white background

F

Use font size 12 or 14 (nothing smaller).

F

Use bold for your name and contact details

F

Use bold for headings

F

Use bullet points

and experience stated on your CV are what will get you through to the next stage.

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The CV sections in more detail

Technical skills (optional) Employers in some sectors want to know what your technical skills are and what equipment and software you can use. For this reason, it’s advisable to put this

Your contact details Use bold and larger font to make these details stand out.

section fairly high up on some CVs. (See Section 11, CV examples)

You need your name, email (don’t use your University

For example, in the IT sector, you may list your

email if you are close to graduation as you will soon lose

proficiencies with Javascript, Agile, Windows/Mac etc.

this), phone number and your LinkedIn URL. If relevant you should also include links to your professional websites/Instagram/YouTube channels if they showcase your content.

In Digital Design you might list Unreal Engine, Adobe Illustrator, Figma etc.

Nurses might want to list procedures they can carry out such as catheterisation, vital sign assessment,

Profile

vaccination etc.

We would suggest writing the Profile section last, once

Film-makers and performers may also want to list a

you have completed the rest of the CV. This is because

Filmography or Credits here. See Section 11 for CV

most people find it the hardest bit to do, but it’s also

example.

the most important section of a CV. An employer that is pressed for time, will scan the Profile first. If they like what they see, they will then read further.

The Profile should be a paragraph of 4 or 5 sentences, describing your skills, experiences and training as clearly and as impressively as you can. Pay close attention to the tasks and responsibilities required for the job you’re applying for, to keep everything relevant. Use convincing language, such as power words and key words to demonstrate your suitability. For example: ‘Experienced in using Tableau and Google Analytics to create targeted social media strategies’. Don’t waste valuable space with generic phrases such as ‘highly motivated‘, ‘hard-working’ etc. Instead, fill this paragraph with genuine examples of your training, experience and expertise.

Education Your undergraduate or Masters’ degree is now the most important part of this section. Don’t waste space listing all your A Levels, BTECS and GCSEs, unless subjects such as Maths and English, are specific criteria.

State your degree title at the University of Winchester, and dates you attended. Include your degree classification, or predicted degree classification.

Use bullet points to highlight 2 or 3 relevant modules/ projects/skills gained or details of your dissertation if relevant to the job.

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Work Experience You can include part-time, temp work and volunteering, live briefs and client projects in this section. It doesn’t matter whether or not you were paid. This is your chance to show the recruiter your skills and achievements. Make sure you are always giving

If possible, include a measure of your success or effectiveness in completing a task. For example: ‘Designed and implemented a new Instagram posting strategy to achieve 800 new followers within one month.’

examples of the skills and competencies that are

Extra-curricular achievements

relevant to the job you are applying for. Use the job

This section is not essential but some employers, who

description as your guide and remember to use key

are recruiting for entry-level positions, like to get a

words and power words.

broader picture of the candidates. Use this section to

Examples on formatting this section are in the bitesize videos. See also the CV examples in Section 11.

Remember to use reverse chronological order.

highlight awards and accomplishments. For instance, ‘Key member of university netball team, achieving League success’. Or ‘Backpacked around South-East Asia for 5 months, picking up part-time bar work

Bullet points can really help with this section. Make your

to fund trip’. Or ‘Created an Instagram account

work examples as task oriented as you can. For example:

dedicated to my passion for long-distance running’.

rather than saying ‘operated camera for filming of conference’, say ‘Directed action and participants to create filmed sequences for final edit’.

8

References As stated earlier, don’t put people’s contact details

Or instead of saying ‘helped to feed patients on

in this section. But do state you have references

surgical ward’, say ‘Identified and prioritised

available. Make sure you have already asked two people,

post-operative patients requiring mealtime support

typically a university tutor and an employer, to give you

to ensure nutritional need were met’.

references when required.

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Making the most of your student experience

Using AI to help create your CV

You may feel you don’t have much to put on your CV yet.

There are many Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools available

This is one reason why doing placements, part-time work,

now and some are free. Using AI can definitely help you,

volunteering, freelancing and extra-curricular activities

especially with writing the Profile sections and itemising

is so important while you’re at university. Not only do

skills and competencies in your Work Experience

you gain amazing experience and improve your personal

section. AI software is most useful at helping you to

development, but you gather things to write about on

create powerful, professional prose in response to what

your CV.

you asked. How you phrase your task or question to the

Your degree will also be providing you with practical, realworld applications of your skills. Think about the writing, research, creative and original projects you are working on.

These activities are building your skills and strengths.

Here are some examples:

Communication Skills F

Designed and delivered presentations

F

Created different forms of written content for multiple purposes

Problem-solving

AI tool is most important. Use AI to help get started, to improve your vocabulary and to incorporate those keywords and power words. Do not use AI to embellish or even invent skills and experiences you don’t have.

Remember though, the copy will always need re-writing!

AI content is pretty easy to spot because it doesn’t sound authentic or personal. An Artificial Intelligence tool will produce similar responses to similar questions.

This means employers are able to spot the candidates that have used AI for the application, as they all look the same. In addition, some employers use software to detect the use of Large Language Models. Some recruiters don’t want Artificial Intelligence used and

F

Used data to analyse challenge

state this in the job advert. You may be asked at

F

Identified alternative sources of support to complete

interview stage if you have used AI at any point in the

tasks

application.

Time management

Tips on using AI

F

Met multiple assignment deadlines

F

Utilised lists and planning tools to keep projects on

‘Create a CV profile section, using UK English, to

track

apply for this job’. Add the job description to your

IT literacy F

Use of Word, Excel, Powerpoint.

F

Use of digital design tools such as Canva

1.

request.

2.

Collaborated on group projects and presentations

F

Shared constructive feedback with colleagues

Leadership F

Supervised team to create projects/events

F

Held positions of responsibility such as Student Academic Reps

Modify the first iteration. For instance, say ‘Now add my experience creating social media posts for The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust while at university’.

Teamwork F

Be very specific in your request. For instance, say

3.

Modify again with specific examples of your achievements.

4.

Keep doing this until you have authentic content, using your unique skills and experiences.

5.

Do a final edit of your CV yourself, without the AI tool.

6.

Proof-read the CV. Make sure it is in UK English.

Does it uniquely reflect you as an individual? Are the examples relevant to the employer?

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Common CV FAQS I have a disability. Do I have to mention this on my CV?

I’m studying on an International Student visa. Do I have to put this on my CV?

No, there is no obligation to do this. If you feel it is

There is no obligation to do so, but some employers tell

relevant to your application, you may want to mention it

us they would like to be informed at this stage. It may be

in your covering letter as this communication is directly

better to mention your visa status in the covering letter.

to the Hiring Manager. Remember, your CV can be seen

Remember to make sure you are complying with your

by many people in an organisation.

visa restrictions regarding employment.

I have a big gap in my employment history.

How do I account for it on my CV? Be as honest as you feel you can be (but remember

I have only worked for one employer for a long time. How do I best represent this on my CV?

not to include too much personal detail). It is perfectly

If you have held different jobs during your time with

legitimate to use dates to itemise a Career Break to

the organisation, break up the Work Experience section

Raise a Family. Or a Career Break due to Illness.

using dates for the different job titles. Use bullet points

If you were unemployed, fill this gap by identifying any

to emphasise the relevant skills and achievements.

training, travel or personal development you gained

If you have held just one job, again use bullet points

in this time. Using such downtime to complete online

to highlight the diversity and range of key skills and

courses, improve IT skills, develop leadership qualities

accomplishments you have gained at this job.

etc shows initiative and determination.

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CV examples

JANE DOE

EXAMPLE 1 STANDARD CV

janedoe@example.com 07777 777777 LinkedIn/janedoe

Personal Profile I am a graduate skilled in social research, data analysis and public health promotion. I have devised, completed and evaluated a mixed methods original research project. I used the data to create and deliver a social media health awareness campaign aimed at disadvantaged groups. To pursue my enthusiasm for health promotion, I have supervised a healthy cooking club for children and vulnerable clients. In order to increase engagement, I designed and delivered a series of fun and inclusive activities, resulting in improved awareness of healthy eating.

I am seeking to contribute my skills to public health research, campaigning and promotion.

Education BA (Hons) Sociology (2:1), University of Winchester 2022-2025 Conducted health awareness research with 50 members of the public using questionnaires, interviews, data coding and numerical data analysis.

Analysed, evaluated and wrote up results in a report: ‘Generational Change in Local Health Awareness’.

Team leader of a group project investigating Healthy Cities. Responsible for allocating tasks and ensuring project deadline was met.

Central School, Bournemouth 3 A Levels, 10 GCSEs including Maths and English.

2022-2025

Professional Experience Healthy Communications Project, Winchester Sept 2024-Jan 2025 • Implemented primary and secondary research skills when interviewing 100 participants about their health knowledge. Evaluated methods of communicating important health messages to hard-to-reach communities.

• Developed innovative strategies, such as fun days, football matches, ‘healthy bingo’ and cookery classes to encourage interest in nutrition and general health issues.

• Created social media content to raise the profile of the Healthy Communications Project. Designed and distributed posters, flyers/leaflets to increase event participation.

Teacher and Care worker, Adventurer, Ghana June-Aug 2024 • Created a social media campaign to raise awareness of lack of resources within the school.

Resulted in donations of stationary, textbooks and other learning materials.

• Cared for young children in a local orphanage, providing supervision, play work and personal care.

• Worked with teachers and parents to organise a ‘Mini Olympics’ competition for the school.

Additional work experience

11

Students’ Union, University of Winchester • Employed as part of a campus-based jobs agency in a range of casual paid work within the University, including events, hospitality and clerical support.

• Responsible for meeting task deadlines. Demonstrated adaptable and flexible approach by undertaking a variety of roles and working hours.

Oct 2022-Apr 2024

Retail Assistant, Asda, Bournemouth • Provided quality customer service, dealing with customer complaints and product questions.

Dec 2021-Sept 2022

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EXAMPLE 1 STANDARD CV

Achievements • Wrote a successful bid for Business in the Community award to resource a charity fashion show.

• Gained experience of presenting a pitch to committee, raising funds, business planning and efficiently running an event, attended by over 200 people.

Additional skills • IT: proficient in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Access.

• Languages: conversational French and Spanish.

• Full, clean driving licence.

Interests • Healthy cooking and healthy living. I started a cooking club with fellow students in my Hall. I am trained in contemporary dance and have performed in university productions. I love running, yoga and read contemporary fiction for leisure.

References available on request

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JANE DOE

EXAMPLE 2 ACTOR PERFORMER

janedoe@example.com 07777 777777 Agent/Representation | Spotlight Pin | Showreel | Website link Gender: Female Playing age: 16-25 years Height: 5ft 5in (167.64cm) Nationalities: British Appearance: White Eye colour: Green Hair colour: Dark Brown Vocal range: G3-C6 (belt to A5)

About me Third year Musical Theatre student at the University of Winchester with a strong vocal range (G3–C6) and confident stage presence. Seeking opportunities to develop professionally through touring productions and ensemble work.

Credits Production

Date

Type

Role

Company

Director

Music Now

2025

Musical

Linda

University of Winchester

James Smith

Father Goose

2025

Pantomime

Girl 2

Theatre Royal Winchester

Jane Smith

Look to the Sky

2024

Play

Mary

Nutshell Productions

John Baker

Ponytail

2024

Workshop

Ensemble/ Cover Amy

Nutshell Productions

Jane Baker

Summertime

2024

Musical

Ensemble

ATG Productions

Joe Blogs

New Gold

2023

Workshop

Keira K

University of Winchester

Jane Smith

Starlight Cafe

2023

Workshop

Ensemble

University of Winchester

James Blogs

Jingle Bell Jazz

2023

Concert

Choir

University of Winchester

Jane James

Skills Accents and Dialects: RP (native), American-Southern States, Cockney, Northern Dance: Jazz (advanced), Contemporary (intermediate), Tap (basic), Ballet (basic) Singing: Mezzo-Soprano, Belt to A5, Harmony singing, confident in pop/rock and musical theatre styles Acting: Improvisation, Physical Theatre Other: Basic stage combat, puppetry (basic hand/rod), beginner guitar, full UK driving licence

Training and Awards BA (Hons) Musical Theatre, University of Winchester

2022-2025

Modules include: Musical Theatre Industry, Advanced Acting Practices, Theatre Company Project

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Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music in Violin, Grade 6

2024

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JANE DOE

EXAMPLE 3 IT TECH

janedoe@example.com LinkedIn.com/janedoe github.com/janedoe

Profile A Computer Science student with expertise in software development, IT support, and user experience design.

Proficient in several programming languages including C, C#, and Java. Demonstrated ability to contribute effectively within development teams, having initiated and delivered a software solution to a customer-facing problem, within a tight deadline. Have successfully designed and delivered original, user-friendly products at two hackathons. Committed to continuous learning, having completed multiple AWS cloud pathways and digital skills courses. Excellent communicator with proven customer service and teaching experience.

Technical Skills Programming: C, C++, C#, Go, Java, JavaScript, PHP and Python.

Databases: CouchDB, InterBase, MongoDB, MySQL and SQL Server.

Miscellaneous: Windows, Mac OS, Linux OS, Docker, Git, Kubernetes, AWS, Google Cloud, Bash and Microsoft Office (Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

Education BSc Computer Science, University of Winchester Key modules: information management and data analytics, risk management and cyber-security, cloud computing infrastructure.

2022-2025

J R Tolkein School, Oxford A levels: Maths (A), English (B) and Information Technology (A).

2015-2022

Work Experience Developer, Question Technologies, Southampton • Contributed to development of Question Technologies’ flagship software, Question Answerer 4, primarily coding using C and C#.

• Responsible for implementing improvements to the user interface to increase the software’s accessibility functionality.

Sept-Dec 2024

IT Support Intern, GROUP MTI, Oxford • Worked 1:1 with client to resolve operational issues.

• Installed and configured computer hardware systems and IT software.

• Monitored IT networks to maintain availability to internal and external users.

• Troubleshot desktop PCs, laptops and mobile devices.

June-Aug 2024

Volunteer, Techkids • Assisted in teaching the basics of coding to students at St Alphege School, Winchester.

Retail Assistant, Sainsbury’s, Oxford • Won Employee of the Month award for outstanding customer service.

• Trained and supported two new members of staff on how to use the retail point of sale, cash management and order management systems.

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Oct-Dec 2023

Oct 2022 -Aug 2023

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EXAMPLE 3 IT TECH

Projects and Hackathons Birminghack (GITHUB.COM/JANEDOE/GAME) • Developed gamification to help school students explore different STEM careers.

• Pitched the game to a jury of IT companies and came second, securing an invite to the Champions of Champions hackathon.

November 2025

Royalhackaway (GITHUB.COM/ALITHORPE/GLASSES) • Working in a team of two at a hackathon, developed an application for Android OS in 36 hours. This app used GPS tracking to find a user’s glasses. This was written in Java.

February 2025

Online Courses • AWS Educate. Completed five Cloud Career Pathways: Cloud Computing 101, Machine Learning, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Specialist and DevOps Engineer.

• Accenture Digital Skills: User Experience. Topics included: Why is user experience important; User experience basics; and Tools and testing.

References available upon request

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EXAMPLE 4 MUSIC AND SOUND PRODUCTION

JANE DOE

janedoe@example.com 07777 777777 Portfolio | Website link Personal Profile Final-year BA (Hons) Music and Sound Production student with a strong foundation in recording, mixing, and audio design. Proficient in industry-standard DAWs including Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, and Ableton Live.

Experienced in collaborative studio work, live sound, and music technology. Eager to bring creativity and technical skills into a dynamic music production environment.

Technical Skills • Audio editing and mixing • Studio setup and patching • Microphone techniques and signal flow

• Ableton Live • Live sound engineering • Synthesis and Sequencing

• Pro Tools • Logic Pro X

Education BA (Hons) Music and Sound Production, University of Winchester Modules included: Synthesis and Sequencing; Interactive Sound and Music; Live Events; Popular Music Culture; Music in the Community; Advanced Studio Recording; Original Music Composition; Music Industry Practice.

2022-2025

A-levels: Music Technology, Media Studies, and Physics.

AS-level: Film Studies.

GCSEs: Nine grades 9-6 including English, Mathematics, Science and ICT.

Work Experience Winchester Students Union

October 2024-present

• Supported the setup and packing-down of audio equipment for live music and club events.

• Assisted with live sound setup including microphones, PA systems, and stage layout.

• Maintained clear communication with events managers, ensuring efficient delivery across multiple events.

• Worked to fixed event timetables and adapted quickly to last-minute changes and technical issues, using problem-solving skills to keep events running without delays.

Sales Assistant at HMV, Southampton

June 2021 - October 2024

• Provided effective customer service in a fast-paced retail environment.

• Utilised strong product knowledge to advise customers on recommendations for music, film, TV, and merchandise.

• Maintained in-store displays and music charts in line with current trends and new releases.

• Collaborated with team members during promotional events to set up eye-catching displays, share product knowledge with customers, encourage interaction, and increase sales during key campaigns.

Hobbies and Interests I recently produced and mixed an independent EP in collaboration with local artists, handling all aspects of recording, editing and mastering using Logic Pro X. In my spare time, I enjoy attending live music events and open mic nights.

References available upon request

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EXAMPLE 5 STUDENT NURSE

JANE DOE

janedoe@example.com 07777 777777 LinkedIn/janedoe

Personal Profile I am a recently qualified Adult Nurse with a strong commitment to providing high-quality patient-centred holistic care and continuous professional development. I offer a combination of diverse clinical experience, including surgical care, and academic excellence. During my final placement, I took responsibility for preparing theatre and sterilising operative equipment. As a result, I received recognition from senior ward management for my attention to detail and compassion for patients. I am seeking a first post in surgical and post-operative nursing where I can expand my proven skills in triage, patient management and problem-solving. I have a passion for learning and growing professionally within a dynamic healthcare environment.

Registered member of the Nursing and Midwifery Council Renews: July 2029. Registration number: 1234567

Core Skills • Patient care • Medical clinical procedures • Wound care • Electronic health documentation • IV administration & management • Diagnostic tests & results analysis • Medication administration

Placements Hampshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Southampton Surgical Unit (Placment)

2026

Key Responsibilities • Ensured patients were fully informed about the risks and benefits of their upcoming operation.

• Assessed patients prior to their surgery to ensure they could receive anaesthetic.

• Supported the anaesthetist by preparing specialist equipment, devices, and drugs.

• Prepared all the complex instruments and equipment used within surgery, including microscopes, lasers, and endoscopes.

• Monitored patients and assessed their condition to ensure they could be discharged back to the ward.

Key Achievements: • Assisted patients with surgical preparation, receiving 96% positive feedback from patients for compassion.

• Sterilised surgical instruments and prepared surgical trays for use in theatre, scoring 100% during all spot checks.

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EXAMPLE 5 STUDENT NURSE

Hampshire Hospitals Trust, General Medical Unit (Placement)

2025

Key responsibilities: • Assessed patients with a variety of health conditions.

• Maintained accurate patient records including patient history and symptoms.

• Administered medication and treatments.

• Monitored and analysed ongoing medication and treatments.

• Completed diagnostic examinations and analysed the results.

• Planned patient discharges, including liaising with GPs and social services.

Key achievements • Improved mobility of patients to prevent skin breakdown, resulting in a 10% lower bedsore-rate than average.

Education BN (Hons) Adult Nursing (predicted 2:1), University of Winchester

2023-2026

Enhancing nursing Practice: Patient pharmacology compliance.

Practice Inquiry Project: Wound care: Infection and prevention.

Hampshire 6th Form College 3 A Levels (including Biology).

2021-2023

Hampshire School 9 GCSEs (including Maths and English).

2016-2021

References available on request

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EXAMPLE 6 PART-TIME JOB

JANE DOE

janedoe@example.com 07777 777777 LinkedIn/janedoe

Personal Profile University student with experience of customer service and front-of-house in both retail and hospitality.

Skilled in handling till transactions, managing stock and maintaining a clean and welcoming café space.

Proficient in multi-tasking and working under pressure to serve customers smoothly, prevent queues and replenish supplies. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team as well as supervise others when required. Seeking opportunities to apply my skills in a busy, customer-focused environment.

Education BA (Hons) History, University of Winchester 3 A Levels, Hampshire Sixth Form.

8 GCSEs (including Maths and English) Hampshire High School.

2024-2027 2022-2024 2017-2022

Work Experience Barista Costa Coffee, Portsmouth 2022-2024 • Trained in using full barista suite.

• Served up to 60 customers per hour during busiest period, ensuring accurate orders delivered.

• Responsible for till transactions, cash handling and tip dispersal.

Key Achievement: Won ‘Employee of the Month’ Award for tracing the owner of a wallet and returning it in person.

Sales Assistant, ABC Garden Centre • Solved customer queries using horticultural and stock knowledge.

• Management of summer bedding stock to ensure healthy, sales-worthy product.

• Designed and dressed visual display for garden furniture.

• Waited tables and served customers in café during busy periods.

April 2022-Nov 2022

Additional skills and proficiencies Duke of Edinburgh Silver Team Leader Conversational French

Summer Expedition 2022

References available upon request

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Using convincing language: power words Accelerated

Heading

Accomplished

Helped

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Implemented

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Improved

Advanced

Increased

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Influenced

Analysed

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Assessed

Investigated

Challenged

Led

Co-ordinated

Maintained

Committed

Managed

Communicated

Mediated

Compiled

Monitored

Completed

Motivated

Conducted

Negotiated

Consistently

Persuaded

Created

Planned

Debated

Professional

Decided

Promoted

Delivered

Provided

Designed

Represented

Developed

Researched

Devised

Resolved

Effective

Responsible

Empathised

Significant

Enhanced

Specialised

Ensured

Succeeded

Enterprising

Successfully

Enthusiasm

Team Working

Established

Tested

Exceeded

Trained

Excelled

Upgraded

Extended

Utilised

Fulfilled

Versatile

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Careers and Opportunities Team Visit us in SAB 303 for CV support.

E-mail careers@winchester.ac.uk

@uowcareers

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