How to Write a CV Leadership

Potential employers will judge you based on your CV.

Writing a strong curriculum vitae, or CV, will greatly help you in your chances of getting a job. Your CV is the first impression that a potential employer will get of you, and a poorly written CV may result in you not getting an interview for the position. Leadership is a quality which is not confined to management roles, and showing evidence of leadership is something that can strengthen your CV. Writing a CV is about emphasizing your strengths, which may include leadership experience.

Instructions

1. Write your name and the heading "Curriculum Vitae" at the top of the page. This should be centered and in bold. Underneath this, to the left of the page, write your contact information, with your address, telephone number and email address listed on separate lines.

2. Write your academic qualifications. Write "Academic Qualifications" in bold, and underneath write your qualifications in reverse chronological order. For example, "B.A., Modern History, [Name of University], 2005-2009".

3. List your work history before your academic qualifications if you are not a recent graduate and have work experience. Write "Work History" and list your employment history in reverse chronological order. For example "Senior Sales Manager, [Name of company], 2005-2009". Write in one or two sentences what your main role was. If you are applying for a leadership-based position, emphasize the leadership skills you showed in the job. For example "Responsible for 20 team members, and managed the monthly budget."

4. Type "Other Qualifications" underneath the academic and career sections. You can include any relevant experience which shows leadership, such as organizing a children's sports team or volunteering at a charity organization. Give dates for your time there. Include qualifications which may not be directly relevant, such as running a marathon or competing in speaking competitions. These may also speak to your leadership abilities and demonstrate that you are a well-rounded individual.

5. Include a cover letter. In no more than a page, state why you are interested in the position, the company and why you are suited for the role. Talk about your leadership experience and emphasize the contributions you have made in your previous positions.

Tips & Warnings

• Never make false statements on your CV. Your potential employer can easily detect misleading information by conducting reference checks.

References

• Michael Page: How to Write a Good CV
• University of Kent: How to Write a Successful CV