Lse ac uk/careers How to write cvs and cover letters

First page of a typical two-page CV 

Dates all in the 

same place

Plenty of white  

space creates  

uncluttered design

Sections clearly 

differentiated

Good use of bullet 

points and space 

to emphasise 

key skills and 

responsibilities

Clear headings

6

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Smaller margins 

than two-page CV

Very concise 

information

Less white  

space on a  

single sided CV

Very clearly  

defined sections

Combines sections 

which might be 

separate on a 

two-page CV eg, 

“Awards” and 

“Interests”

Example of a single page CV (sometimes called a “résumé”)

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Large clear name. 

No need to write  

 “curriculum  vitae” 

anywhere

Up to date  

contact details

Include your 

LinkedIn profile 

or any personal 

websites or blogs 

if you feel they are 

relevant and you 

want an employer  

to see them

8

Personal details 

1 Should I include my home address and my  

LSE address? 

It’s helpful to do this if you are spending long periods away from your LSE 

address and an employer will be contacting you during this time. Tell the 

employer the dates when you are at each address so they know which 

one to use. 

2 Should I include a career profile/objective? 

A career profile (or career objective) is a short statement, usually at the 

top of your CV, saying something about you and your career aims. For 

new graduates or postgraduates, career profiles are not really necessary 

as this content will be addressed in your cover letter. Profiles can run the 

risk of sounding clichéd. If all you have to say is, “Current student with 

an MSc Social Anthropology with good communication skills, excellent 

team work skills and ability to work independently, now seeking job in 

finance”, then the space would be better used to display significant facts 

about your education and experience. 

Profiles can be a useful addition to a CV if you have some very specific 

experience and you are very clear about the particular career area you are 

going for. Profiles can also be useful if you are asked to send a CV without  

a cover letter. If you are changing career they can help you to state briefly 

your previous area of experience and what you’re aiming for now.