# CVs (or résumés)

**Source**: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/how-to-apply/cv/
**Parent**: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/how-to-apply/

A CV (which stands for ‘curriculum vitae’) is a summary of your qualifications, experiences, and skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. You usually use a CV to respond to a job advertisement or to make a [speculative application](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/how-to-apply/speculative-applications/).

The purpose of a CV is to impress an employer and to secure an interview. It’s important to be clear, concise and professional in your CV, since the person reading it will usually spend only a few moments doing so.

To get immediate, AI-generated feedback on your CV, [submit your CV to CareerSet](https://careerset.io/st-andrews). Students can access CareerSet using their university email address. Graduates can access CareerSet by emailing [careers@st-andrews.ac.uk](mailto:careers@st-andrews.ac.uk) for an access code.

If you're interested in using generative AI, like ChatGPT, to help you write your CV, read the Careers Centre's [advice on using generative AI](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/how-to-apply/ai/).

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- ## Example CVs
- ## Match your CV to the job
- ## Content
- ## Structure
- ## Formatting and length
- ## Academic CVs

## International CVs

Though the advice on this page is applicable to CVs in general, employers’ expectations for your CV may differ depending on the country you are applying in.

[GoinGlobal](https://login.st-andrews.ac.uk/cas/login?service=https:%2F%2Fwww.st-andrews.ac.uk%2Fcareers%2Fhow-to-apply%2Fcv%2F) (login required) is a resource that gives advice on tailoring your CV for international jobs, with guidance on CV expectations in over 45 countries.

See also [advice on working abroad (Prospects)](https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/working-abroad).

## Additional resources

### General advice and example CVs

- [How to write a CV (Prospects](https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/cvs-and-cover-letters/how-to-write-a-cv))
- [What skills do employers want? (Prospects](https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/applying-for-jobs/what-skills-do-employers-want))
- [Graduate attributes (Careers Centre)](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/improve-your-skills/graduate-attributes/)
- [How to write a graduate CV: your FAQs answered (TargetJobs](https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/applications-and-cvs/667745-how-to-write-a-graduate-cv-your-faqs-answered))
- [Graduate CV and covering letter templates (TargetJobs)](https://targetjobs.co.uk/cv-and-cover-letter-templates)
- [Resume writing masterclass (Forage)](https://www.theforage.com/simulations/forage-masterclass/resume-writing-masterclass-cvct)
- [Creative ways to boost your CV without work experience](https://careerconnect.st-andrews.ac.uk/student/svc/external-pathways.html#/pathway/definition/59/instance/0/overview) (Career Connect pathway)

### Management consultancy advice and example CVs

- [Bright Network](https://www.brightnetwork.co.uk/career-path-guides/consulting/bright-networks/)
- [MConsultingPrep](https://mconsultingprep.com/management-consulting-resume/) (US-focused)
- [My Consulting Coach](https://www.myconsultingcoach.com/consulting-resume) (US-focused)