Your CV is an important introduction to yourself, your skills and the qualities you can bring to the role you are applying for. The purpose of your CV is to make the reader interested in you and make them want to invite you for an interview. Below are some helpful hints and reminders to bear in mind when writing your CV. Remember, if your CV gets you an interview - you CAN get the job.
- Display your CV [Career & Achievements] in reverse chronological order (latest job first)
- Be completely honest - information is easily verified
- List courses attended and certificates (if any) gained
- Leave out any negative information; gaps or career mistakes are best explained at interview
- Only list hobbies if you actually do them
- Provide two referees - ideally work related
Remember to use only good quality paper and never give the impression that this is one of many CVs you have sent out to every position going. The use of gimmicks and fancy designs should also be avoided.
Always write a concise, to the point covering letter. In the letter you should include which vacancy you are applying for and why you believe you should be considered.
Be concise. Try to keep your CV as short as possible. The people who will have to read it have probably got many more so don't put them off yours by making it too long. Do not skip information - only include relevant information. You can expand on any information when invited for interview.
Including a Career Statement or Personal Profile can be viewed as merely representing the applicant's view of him/herself. However, employers do find them useful and, when compiling your own, you will appreciate that in doing so it is impossible to write anything other than the absolute truth. The following is an example:-
"Enthusiastic Customer Services Co-ordinator with proven ability to control multiple marketing projects within given timescales whilst maintaining a high quality of work and achievements of set goals. A confident communicator both internally and externally."
cv do's
- Ensure CV is well presented - use a professional font and good quality paper
- Ensure there are no grammatical, spelling or typing errors. Ask someone else to check it over for you
- Highlight your skills and qualities, try to include achievements and, if possible, the resultant benefits for past employers
- Drop the 'I' and use past tense when describing your achievements. It's easier to give yourself credit without boasting and using past tense means you don't have to keep repeating 'I'; you can use an asterisk or a bullet point.
cv don'ts
- Omit vital information such as contact details
- Make your CV too long - it will discourage the reader and make it difficult to find the salient points; 2 or 3 pages is ideal
- List dangerous or 'different' interests eg bungee-jumping; political affiliations or past trade union involvement [unless applicable to the post]
- Give reasons for leaving. An employer has to consider if you will stay and to remind him of reasons why you leave a job [better prospects, more pay] is not fitting at this point.
Your CV is your first chance to impress the company so be sure to take time to produce a first class, professional CV.
The importance of your CV is paramount; its purpose is to place your name on an interview shortlist, so it's got to be unique and special. If you need any further help in compiling or producing your own CV, contact a member of our recruitment team.
