Writing a CV
A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a summary of
your academic and professional history, achievements and working
career to date. Before you get down to writing your CV, spend
some time thinking about what makes you the right person for the
job. Your CV should be tailored to the job you are applying for.
Read the job advert carefully and bring out the points you think
are most relevant to the job, but be brief: Ideally, a CV should be
not be longer than two pages.
What has to be included?
Personal details: name, address, contact
details. It is up to you whether you include more information such
as your age, nationality, marital status etc. It not essential.
Your personal profile: Five to seven high
impact statements that describe you. Don’t be shy about
this. Spark the readers’ interest. Be bold, confident and
positive about yourself. This is your chance to sell your
particular qualities for the job. Include your skills and the
qualities that you believe make you right for the job.
Achievements: Use high impact
statements about your achievements. These should back up your
personal profile. Not all achievements need to be worked based: you
may have some outside interests or ‘life skills’ which are
impressive and which relate strongly what an employer is looking
for. Employers often look for evidence of a rounded person, not
just necessarily workplace skills and responsibilities.
Experience and Education: This part of the CV
depends on what job you are applying for and your career stage. If
you have been working for a while, employment goes first. If this
is the start of your career, educational achievement takes
precedence.
Career history: Employers will want to see
your past experience. When listing your jobs, start with the
present or most recent job and work backwards. Include detail about
the current job, but be brief about jobs which are totally
different or a long time ago.
Hobbies and interests: Some employers like to
hear about hobbies and interests, but they should be relevant to
the job you are applying for or add to the general picture.
Additional Information: If you need to add
anything that may be relevant ,such as a career break or a gap in
your employment history that is not covered elsewhere, you could
include it here.
References: you should state that references
are available, with at least one work related, although you don’t
have to list them on the CV. If you haven’t worked for a while use
someone responsible who knows you, but whoever you choose, don’t
forget to ask them first and make sure their contact details are
correct.
Be Honest: Sounds obvious, but surveys have
shown a high proportion of CV’s are embellished or distorted with
items or statements which are untrue in an attempt to make the
applicant look better than they are. Whilst you are in the job
of selling your skills as hard as you can, do not add something
which is wrong or you cannot substantiate. Good employers will
check your claims: If there is a ‘little white one’ in your
CV you will be found out.
Presentation
First impressions count. Good presentation is
a must if you want to impress. Use a word processor. Never
hand write a CV. Always check for spelling and grammar. Use spell
check or a dictionary when in doubt and always, always get someone
else to check it.
Layout: Think about how it will look. Clean
and crisp always wins. Use 12 point type and a clear font. Use just
one style and one font throughout and keep the layout simple. Don’t
use bold or highlights everywhere. This may work for headings, but
not for the detailed bits.
Print on A4 white or cream paper and use the
best quality paper you can. Always send new original copies. Never
send photocopies.
Be positive. Use a positive tone and words.
Use ‘doing’ words like ‘managed’ ‘improved’ etc when describing
yourself.
Don’t include a photograph of yourself unless
specifically asked to do so. If you are asked send a professionally
taken one, not one of you on the beach on holiday.
Keep a copy: To be consistent you may need to
refer back to it at a later date.
The CV Letter
All CVs should be accompanied by a letter. Its
purpose is to make sure the CV arrives on the desk of the right
person and they read it. It does not have to be long. Ensure the
skills qualities and attributes that make you right for the job are
mentioned briefly. Use good quality paper and draw the attention of
the reader to the fact that you fit their requirement exactly.