Resume Headings

In general, 5 or 6 headings will be enough for most resumes or CVs. However, sometimes you will want to use more headings - when applying for a particular job for which additional information is appropriate. Here is a CV layout with most of the possible headings that you can choose from.

[white] 'Standard' headings that you find on most CVs.
[grey] 'Extra' headings that you can add if necessary.
Your name
First name Surname (for example, John Brown)
{short description of image}Include a good photo if you want or if requested
Address 17 Any Road, ANYTOWN, Anycountry
Telephone +44 171 123 4567
Fax +44 171 123 4567
Email myname@anydomain.net

Personal Information

Marital status:
  • single
  • married
  • divorced
  • separated
  • widowed
Nationality: French
Date of birth: State your date of birth in the form 1 January 1975 or January 1st, 1975
Age: 28
Place of birth: Town, Country
Objective State the position or opportunity that you are looking for. (This must be short. One or two lines only.)
Summary of qualifications Make a short list of the qualifications you have for this job. (This should be short. Your full qualifications will appear later under 'Education').
Professional experience List your jobs in reverse chronological order (last is first).
Education List your university/school in reverse chronological order (last is first).
Specialized skills Any additional special abilities you have (for example, computer programming) that may be of interest to the employer.
Patents and publications List any relevant inventions you have made or books, articles and papers you have published.
Additional professional activities List any relevant work activities not listed elsewhere.
Professional memberships List any relevant professional associations or clubs of which you are a member.
Extracurricular activities List any relevant activities that you have outside work.
Volunteer experience List any relevant activities (present or past) that you have done unpaid.
Awards received List any relevant awards or prizes.
Accreditations List any official recognition of you by a relevant organization.
Security clearance For certain jobs with government or companies contracted by government, it may be necessary to state your level of authorization to work on classified or confidential projects.
Civil service grades If relevant, list your grades or levels as a civil servant (that is, state employee).
Community activities List anything you do for your local community (for example church or school) if it is important or relevant for this job.
Languages If necessary, list the languages you can speak. You can use the following descriptions:
  • mother tongue
  • fluent
  • excellent
  • good
  • some knowledge
Travel Details of travel and exposure to cultural experiences that may support your application.
Interests and activities List things that you like or like doing (for example governor of local school, going to opera, drama or tennis).
Hobbies List your favourite leisure-time activities (for example, stamp-collecting). You should include this only if you think it will be interesting for the employer. You may prefer to include this under 'Interests and activities'.
Additional information Add any additional information that is necessary and relevant for a particular job.
References If required, give the names and addresses of (two) people who can give you a reference. Alternatively, you can state 'Available on request.'