How to Include Awards on a CV (with Examples for Different Careers)

Including honours and awards on your CV is a powerful way to showcase your expertise and stand out in any field. Whether you're in HR, real estate, acting, designing, architecture, or any other profession, awards validate your skills and demonstrate your standing within your industry. From winning a teaching excellence award to being recognised for innovation in your field, these highlight your talent and commitment. Alongside the achievements CV section, listing awards is an excellent way to emphasise your accomplishments and build credibility in your field.

In this guide, we cover:

• How to list awards on a CV in a strategic way

• Which types of awards can make a CV stand out 

• Examples of the awards CV section for different roles 

• Mistakes to avoid when including awards on a CV 

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Why include awards on your CV

First of all, awards demonstrate that your skills and achievements have been recognised and valued by others, whether through formal competitions, academic accomplishments, or exceptional workplace performance. Many awards are even more meaningful because they come from nominations by colleagues who have witnessed your dedication and contributions firsthand.

They serve as tangible proof of your abilities, showcasing your talent, results, and the respect you've earned from peers. Including awards on your CV not only highlights your unique strengths but also helps distinguish you from others with similar experience, giving potential employers a clearer picture of your capabilities and the recognition you've received. 

How to format the awards section on a CV 

If you have a dedicated awards section on your CV, the best approach is to list them in a bullet-point format and reverse chronological order. Always try to keep the section clean and organised, here's a standard format you can follow:

Where to include awards on your CV

The placement of awards on your CV should depend on their relevance and quantity. If you’ve received multiple industry-specific or prestigious accolades, it’s best to showcase them in a dedicated awards section. However, academic awards, like scholarships or honours, are best placed in the 'Education' section, while project-based or skill-specific awards can be incorporated under relevant roles in your 'Work Experience' section to showcase their direct impact.

Here, you have some tips on how to effectively highlight awards in your CV, tailored to the type of award:

Awards section 

Ideal for highlighting and showcasing several significant distinctions, allowing you to emphasise multiple achievements or features effectively.

Example: 

- Winner, Best Innovation in Tech Award (2025) - Recognised for developing a groundbreaking AI solution.  

- Top 40 Under 40 (2024) - Honoured for outstanding contributions in the field of digital marketing.  

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Education section 

Suitable for recognising academic achievements, whether for awards, scholarships, or other forms of educational excellence.

Examples: 

- Best Research Paper Award (2025)

- Dean’s Scholarship for Academic Excellence (2024)

Work experience section

If an award is linked to a specific role or project, it highlights the contributions within that context. In such cases, it’s best to include it as an achievement in your work experience section.

Example: 

• Honoured with the Outstanding Sales Performance Award as Senior Sales Manager for exceeding annual targets by 150%.

• Received Team Leadership Excellence Award for leading a project that reduced production costs by 25%.  

Personal profile

Highlight major awards and recognitions in your CV’s opening summary if they strongly align with the role, while providing more details in a dedicated awards section if necessary. For awards that are notable but less impactful, include a brief mention in the summary to capture interest without going into extensive detail.

Examples:

- Recipient of the Best Creative Marketing Award, showcasing my ability to drive impactful campaigns.

- Honoured with the National Leadership Award for spearheading initiatives that improved operational efficiency.  

What types of awards should be included on a CV

Not every award needs a spot on your CV. When deciding which ones to include, focus on those that directly highlight your skills, achievements, or experience relevant to the role you're applying for. Including awards that reinforce your suitability can make a stronger impression on potential employers, while unrelated accolades may distract from your key qualifications.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award on a CV

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a prestigious youth achievement award recognised throughout the UK and valued by employers for the character and commitment it reflects. It is especially impactful on CVs for students, school leavers, and those early in their careers who may not yet have substantial professional experience.

Here, you can find three examples of how to include the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award on a CV: 

1. As a mention in your personal profile (ideal for beginners)

Example: 

Creative marketing student seeking an internship to apply strong communication and analytical skills in a fast-paced environment. Completed the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, demonstrating initiative, collaboration, and perseverance through volunteering, skill development, and team-based challenges. Passionate about branding, digital media, and consumer engagement, with a keen interest in learning from real-world marketing campaigns.

2. In a separate ‘awards’ section (alongside other distinctions)

Example:

Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award - 2025

Jack Petchey Achievement Award - 2024

3. In your ‘additional experience’ or ‘volunteer work’ section

Example: 

Youth Volunteer - Local Community Centre, London, 2025

Assisted with weekly youth workshops, supporting programme delivery, supervising younger children, and helping plan events. Developed strong communication and time-management skills through regular interaction with both staff and participants.

• Completed the Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver Award during this period, enhancing leadership and teamwork through a combination of volunteering, physical training, skill development, and a group expedition.

• Took initiative in planning community events, contributing to a 20% increase in local engagement.

For more insights, explore our article on how to include volunteer work on a CV.

CV Awards examples by career level and industry

Awards carry different significance depending on your profession, but they can be a powerful way to showcase your expertise and achievements. For example, an academic might highlight a research grant or teaching award, while a designer could feature a creative industry accolade, such as a design competition win. Below are industry-specific examples of awards and tips on how to present them effectively on a CV, ensuring they capture attention and strengthen your professional profile.

Actors and performing artists

These awards often reflect talent, public acclaim or critical recognition and they may be listed under a portfolio, biography or within a dedicated section.

Examples:

• Best Supporting Actor - National Student Drama Festival, 2025

• Fringe First Award - Edinburgh Festival Fringe, 2024

Engineers

Engineering awards validate technical excellence, innovation, and project leadership. They are especially valuable for applications in senior roles, consultancy, or academic-industry hybrids.

Examples:

• Young Engineer of the Year - Royal Academy of Engineering, 2025

• Finalist, Best Graduate Design Project - IMechE Student Awards, 2024

Writers and journalists

These awards celebrate originality, investigative expertise, and creative influence. Whether in literature or media, they offer a valuable boost to any CV.

Examples:

• Winner, Student Journalist of the Year - NCTJ Awards for Excellence, 2025

• Shortlisted, Bridport Prize (Poetry) - 2025

HR

These awards acknowledge excellence in people management, policy innovation, diversity and inclusion, and employee engagement. They can enhance your authority, especially in leadership roles.

Examples:

• HR Rising Star - CIPD People Management Awards, 2025

• Winner, Best Wellbeing Initiative - UK HR Excellence Awards, 2025

Interior designers and architects

Design awards help convey visual style, innovation, and client appeal. Include them prominently, especially in roles involving client-facing or creative briefs.

Examples:

• Rising Star Award - UK Interior Design Awards, 2025

• Young Architect of the Year - Architects’ Journal, 2024

Estate agents

Industry recognition for estate agents typically highlights sales performance, customer service, and local market expertise. 

Examples:

• Top Sales Agent - Regional Office Awards, 2025

• Gold Winner, Best Customer Service - Property Awards UK, 2025

Teachers

Teaching awards recognise dedication, innovation, and impact in the classroom or broader educational community. They demonstrate commitment to student success and continuous professional development.

Examples: 

• Innovative Educator of the Year - National Teaching Awards, 2025

• Finalist, STEM Teacher of the Year - TES Awards, 2025

Athletes

Sports awards show discipline, performance, and recognition at local, national, or international levels. These can apply to both professional athletes and individuals applying to fitness or coaching roles.

Examples:

• Gold Medalist - National Track & Field Championships, 2025

• Team Captain Award - University Sports Awards, 2025

Students and early-career professionals

For those new to the workforce, awards can help compensate for limited experience by showcasing academic accomplishments or a commitment to proactive learning.

Example:

Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, University of Birmingham (2021–2025)

• Achieved Dean’s List recognition in 2024 for academic excellence

• Awarded first place in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition

Mistakes to avoid when including your awards on a CV

While awards can elevate your CV and set you apart from other candidates, simply listing every award without thought can have the opposite effect. To make awards work in your favour, follow these tips to include them effectively.

Key takeaways 

• Awards add credibility and proof of excellence, especially in creative and competitive industries.

• Tailor awards to the role and include honours that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

• Select the appropriate section based on the context, be it an industry-specific award, an academic achievement, or a standout feature for your personal profile.

• List awards in reverse chronological order and include a one-line description if the award isn’t well-known.

Next steps?

Now that you’ve learned how to highlight awards on your CV, take the next step by creating a tailored CV and cover letter for your desired role with our CV Builder. Choose from a wide range of professional templates or explore our extensive library of CV examples for every experience level for inspiration. Need further support? Browse our cover letter templates for ideas or let our CV Writing Service help you craft an application that stands out and lands you that job interview.

FAQs

Is it necessary to put awards in a CV?

Including relevant awards in your application isn’t strictly necessary, but it can greatly enhance your CV and candidacy. Awards are particularly valuable for early-career professionals, those in creative or highly competitive fields, or anyone aiming to showcase achievements beyond job titles and responsibilities. If an award highlights your suitability for the role, it’s well worth including.

Can I include school awards or participation certificates?

Generally, it’s best to leave out participation-only certificates or school-level prizes unless you're a student or recent graduate with limited experience and the award is directly relevant to the role.

Is it okay to include non-professional awards on a CV?

Absolutely. Personal development accomplishments like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award can be powerful indicators of soft skills, leadership, and commitment, especially for early-career candidates.

What if I don't have any awards for my CV?

That’s completely okay, in fact, many strong candidates don’t have formal awards. Instead, focus on highlighting your skills and relevant experiences. You can showcase your strengths through personal projects, volunteer work, internships, leadership activities, or academic achievements. Use your CV to demonstrate your impact, initiative, and value to potential employers. Remember: what matters most is how well you present your capabilities and potential.

Should I put honours alongside my awards on a CV?

Yes, honours can certainly be included alongside awards, particularly when they highlight academic excellence or notable achievements. Combining them under a single section titled ‘Awards & Honours’ is both common and effective. Be sure to list entries that are relevant to the role you’re pursuing, clearly formatted, and, if necessary, accompanied by a brief explanation for context. For more guidance, check out our internship CV example.