Remember that you have around 30 seconds for
your CV to make an impression, ensure each one is customised and relevant
to the position you are applying for.
Start with your name and make it a little
bigger than the other text, or place it in bold letters at the top of the
page.
Follow with your contact details. If you have
a mobile phone number, fax number or email address, list these as well
as your home or work phone number.
Including your date of birth is optional.
List all of your educational achievements
next, including any part-time courses. Start with your most recent achievements.
Provide the results of your studies, or highlight
achievements in your best or favourite subjects.
If your work history is more relevant than
your educational achievements to the position you are applying for, you
may wish to put this section first. Again, start with your most recent
work experience and list the positions that you have held; your work responsibilities
and any relevant achievements.
Include interests or hobbies if you feel they
may support your job application.
Provide names and contact details of relevant
referees (and/or attach written references to your CV). Referees can be
previous or current employers, family friends, a teacher from school or
college, or people you know who work in the area that interests you. Always
make sure that people know you have listed them as a referee.
Do's
Make sure your CV is concise and to the point
- preferably no more than three typed pages.
Check all spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Ask others to read your CV and give you their
opinion on what you have (or have not) included.
Ensure your CV looks tidy. Don't be afraid
of white space.
Type your CV on a computer and print it on
standard A4 size paper.
Keep a copy saved on disk for easy updating
and printing of new copies.
Remember to update your CV as your work experience
or contact details change.
Have someone else proof read it if possible.
Dont's
Include irrelevant personal details such as
your gender, religion, physique or health.
Include a current work number on your CV if
you cannot discuss another job opportunity in your current work environment.
Include any mention of salary.
Lie or exaggerate about your experience, education
or capabilities.
Use brightly coloured ink or paper, or a typeface
(font) that makes the text difficult to read.
Send out the original copy of your CV. Always
keep several copies on hand.
Click Here for some
examples of unusual CV content.
