What Sections Should a CV Have?
The sections every CV needs, the ones that are optional, and the order to put them in.
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Short answer: five core sections, in this order.
The must-haves
1. Contact details (name, phone, email, city, LinkedIn) 2. Professional summary (two lines: who you are and what you offer) 3. Education 4. Experience (work, projects, or volunteering) 5. Skills (match them to the job)
The optional extras
Add these only if they help:
- Certifications or short courses
- Achievements and awards
- Languages
- References (or just "available on request")
The rule
If a section does not make your case for this specific job, cut it. A focused CV beats a crowded one. See how it all fits in the CV basics.
Frequently asked questions
What are the must-have CV sections?+
Contact details, a short summary, education, experience, and skills. Everything else is optional.
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