| Preparation: |
| Think about your skills,
competencies, qualifications and experience. What are your unique selling points and strengths?
Think in terms of what you have achieved. If you are replying to a specific job advertisement,
review what key words and tasks were used in the advertisement. Which of these words applies
to you? Use these words in your CV. |
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| Helpful
Hints: |
| Remember that you want
your CV to be read and responded to. Include enough information to stimulate interest,
but not so much that you bore the reader. If you provide small, digestible pieces of information
you stand a better chance of having your CV read. Make your CV clear and interesting, but
keep it concise. It isn't your life story. A CV only has one function: to get you an interview.
Three pages maximum is preferred. Every word must contribute to the overall message - so
keep it brief and ensure that the content is relevant to the job you are applying for. |
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| Ensure that your CV
is well structured and well laid out; this gives the impression that you think logically
and makes it easier to review. Remember - a CV that is hard to read is often put aside
and forgotten. When writing the CV, remember that self-opinion is best avoided. Aim to
include factual information or objective evidence and remember to focus on the benefits
of your achievements. |
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| Pay close attention
to reply instructions in advertisements (e.g. spelling of a contact's name). Always have
someone else on hand to check your spelling and grammar. Nothing can ruin your chances
of getting a job faster than easily preventable mistakes. Avoid coloured paper or fancy
fonts, if you plan to fax or e-mail your CV, you'll get a much better result with clean
fonts and a simple lay-out. |
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| The First Page: |
| This should contain your personal details, your home address and contact details located right at the
top, followed by a profile of who you are, plus your key achievements. Follow this with a brief summary
of educational credentials and qualifications. An overview statement should be included covering your
strengths in the relevant area, skills and experience
. |
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| Pages
Two/Three: |
Here you should highlight
your employment history. Present this in reverse chronological order, (i.e. current / last
job first). If you have only worked for one company, break it down with an entry for each
position or project dealt with. For each position held, briefly describe responsibilities
and work undertaken. Do include achievements, not just regular tasks, if possible, quantify
them in sales, financial or production terms.
Each professional position that you've had
must include at least one statement of accomplishment. For your current and recent positions,
you may want to have several bulleted items under the job that list your most significant
experiences. |
| Your CV
should make claims about who you are and what you can do, and then provide evidence to
back up those claims. Translate what you know and can do into terms that will appeal to
a recruiter - talk about solving problems, making a difference... Be specific: make claims
and then give evidence. Express achievements in terms of awards, money, time or percentages. |
List your hobbies and
interests in no more than three lines. Include interests which make you appear a rounded
person, and those which have some relevance to the job.
Any voluntary or charity work or
external posts you hold are worth including. Always include any languages, courses or training
you may have done, or any professional memberships. |
| It is recommended that
two referees be given at a later date - including the referees' official titles, addresses
and telephone numbers. |
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