Use this guide with the official instructions.

Programme prompts, limits and document rules always take priority over general advice.

Lead with relevance

Use a brief profile only when it adds direction. Put education, research or experience first according to the award and your strongest evidence.

  • Contact and professional links
  • Education and distinctions
  • Research or projects
  • Work and leadership
  • Skills, languages and selected service

Write achievement bullets

Start with an action, name the work and add scope or outcome. 'Led a team of five to deliver...' is more useful than 'responsible for leadership'.

Make academic evidence readable

Use consistent dates, degree names and institution names. For publications, use one citation style and indicate accepted, published or under review honestly.

Keep design quiet

Use one readable typeface, clear headings and strong spacing. Avoid skill bars, photographs and decorative graphics unless a programme specifically requests them.