Writing a Winning Publishing CV

Publishing is an extremely competitive industry so it is vital to have the very best CV to present to potential employers. We have put together a few tips to ensure you submit the very best publishing CV. You need to stand out from the crowd, but the most important thing is to have a well-written, clear, concise and accurate document outlining your skills and experience.

• Your publishing CV should be a work in progress. You should update it as you gain further experience in the publishing industry and, depending on the role you are applying for, you should edit it to emphasise particular achievements, skills and personal qualities.
• Check thoroughly for typos - these are unacceptable at any time, but particularly in publishing where it is all about the written word. Typos in a publishing CV will result in your application ending up in the bin. Print out the CV and ask someone else to proof-read.
• Stick to 2 pages - keep it concise and relevant.
• Keep the formatting clear and simple - headings should be in a slightly larger font and in bold, don't try to be too clever, the focus should be on your experience.

Below is a sample layout that we suggest you base your publishing CV on. Points to remember:

Education: List information in reverse chronological order and include both months and years. Include your degree subject and classification, A level subjects with results. GCSEs - fine to put grades eg 6 x A, 2 x B, including Maths and English.

Further skills / qualifications: Bullet point your key skills and qualify with examples. Don't forget IT skills and list and state what level, eg Excel, Intermediate. List relevant vocational training (max 5 latest examples).

Employment history: Reverse chronological order again and include months and years in the dates. Bullet point your main duties / responsibilities. Keep the information clear and concise. List relevant achievements.

NAME

CONTACT DETAILS:

Address
Tel:
Mobile:
Email:

Include your nationality and any visa details that outline your eligibility to work in the UK.

PROFILE:

This is a brief summary (1-2 sentences) of your skills and experience and should outline your career objectives.

EDUCATION:

Date started - Date finished - University name, location, Course, classification
Date started - Date finished - School name, location, A levels, GCSEs

FURTHER SKILLS / QUALIFICATIONS:

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:

INTERESTS:
This is optional but we suggest you add in as it gives a flavour of you as a person.

REFERENCES:
Available on request.