Which document would a job applicant typically use to summarise education, qualifications and referees?

• A. Portfolio
• B. Curriculum vitae
• C. Reference letter
• D. Certificate of attendance

Answer: (B)

A curriculum vitae (CV) is designed to give a quick, concise overview of a candidate’s education, qualifications and referees. It pulls together the key background information an employer needs to assess suitability for a role, often including education history, qualifications, work experience, skills, and the names of referees who can be contacted.

A portfolio, by contrast, showcases actual work samples and projects to demonstrate ability, which is useful in fields like design or writing but goes beyond a simple summary. A reference letter is a separate endorsement from someone who can vouch for you, not a summary of your background. A certificate of attendance only confirms you attended a course or event, not your overall education or available referees.