A CV has one job: to make someone decide, in seconds, that you are worth reading properly.
What it needs
- Name and contact. A mobile number and a professional email address.
- Work authorisation. EU/EEA national, or the permit you hold. State it plainly.
- Location. County, and whether you would relocate or work remotely.
- Experience. Employer, role, dates and what you achieved.
- Education. Qualification, institution and year.
- Registration where your profession requires it.
- Referees. Commonly expected, or "available on request".
What to leave out
Photograph, date of birth, marital status, PPS number, nationality beyond your work authorisation.
The Employment Equality Acts ban discrimination on nine grounds, and several of these fields touch on them directly.
Work authorisation matters early
Employers screen on it. If you are an EU/EEA national, say so. If you need sponsorship, state that too — ambiguity costs interviews.
Technology
Portfolio, GitHub and shipped products count more than the CV format. Include links prominently.
Pharmaceuticals and medical devices
Regulatory environments worked in, GMP experience, specific standards, and validation or quality systems experience.
Financial services
Professional qualifications stated precisely, regulatory experience, and specific product or fund knowledge.
Healthcare
Registration status with the relevant body, clinical specialisations, and any overseas qualifications with their recognition status.
Describe outcomes, not duties
"Quality Analyst" says little. "Led validation for three production lines at a GMP site, closed 40 deviations in a year and supported two successful regulatory inspections" says a great deal more.
Use numbers.
Length
Two pages is the norm in Ireland. Three is acceptable for senior or highly technical roles.
Cover letters
Commonly expected, particularly outside technology.
Keep it current
A complete profile means employers find you in their searches. Review registration and permit expiry dates first.