Make your name stand out in bold, perhaps in a slightly larger font size you dont need to write

e curriculum vitae. One or two full sides of the page, laser printed onto good-quality paper. Addresses need to be clear, but can be compact. Give your term and vacation address. Date of birth is now optional due to anti-age discrimination legislation in 2006. If you are an international student with the right to work in the UK, state that here. Start with your most recent events and use reverse chronology this will likely mean that you will start with your time at Oxford. Use bullet points and emphasise your achievements/responsibilities, not just the activity. Action verbs start the descriptions of what you have done, with whom, and how.

Kim Smith
Home: 57 Worthington Road, Northampton, NN3 1KL Term: Merton College, Merton Street, Oxford Mobile: 07947928562 Email: kim.smith@merton.ox.ac.uk

Font stick to one clear font throughout (e.g. Arial, Times New Roman). 11pt minimum for main text.

Education
2005 - 2009 Merton College, University of Oxford MSc Earth Sciences expected 2.1 Independent Fieldwork Project, six weeks mapping an area of 15 sq miles in the Cantabrian Mountains, Northern Spain. Masters Project, Laboratory based. Northampton High School A levels: Geography A, Maths A, Physics A. GCSEs: 8 A*, 2 at A, including Maths and English.

Any academic awards could go here. Put in grades or expected grades if available. Add course detail if relevant.

1998 - 2005

Work Experience
Summer 2008 Finance Department, Quest International, Ashford, Kent. Processed invoices, analysed data and dealt with both customers and suppliers. Researched and prepared response for the United Nations Claims Commission. Quest is currently pursuing a claim with regard to lost revenue due to the Iraqi conflict. Updated Expenses Database, redesigned and tested new Expense Claim form. Gap year placement with Shires Aggregates (6 months). Testing and sampling aggregates used in highways. Liased with site engineers.

Theres no need to list all those GCSE subjects and grades unless specifically requested or really relevant.

2006 - 2007

Positions of responsibility
2007 - 2008

Other possible headings are: Relevant Experience, Employment History, Positions of Responsibility. Use what suits you best.
Languages: IT Skills:

President of the Oxford Geology Society, Geolsoc. Lead a committee responsible for organising seminars, speakers and social events. Responsible for budget allocation. This is also involved public speaking.

Activities and societies provide evidence of relevant transferable skills and qualities

Additional Skills
French, good written and spoken; Spanish, basic knowledge. Proficient at MS Office applications and internet use.

Give an indication of your level of skill, eg working knowledge, basic, fluent, etc.

Interests & Activities

Travelling: Music: During my gap year I travelled extensively in the Far East. My degree has given me opportunities for travel in Europe. Lead alto sax player and founding member of the Mertz Swing Band Play at local venues, weddings and other social events. European Tour planned for 2008.

Referees not references! Ask them first and send them a copy of your application. Full details can be given if space permits but this is not required.

Referees
Dr Jo Bloggs, Dept of Earth Science, Parks Rd, Oxford, OX1 3PR. Tel. 01865 277 1234 Dr Ellie Phant, Quest International, Ashford, Kent, AF4 2RH. Tel. 12345 678 9101