CV Advice

The most important 2 pages of your life!  First impressions are vital, therefore ensure your CV is accurate, grammatically correct, has no spelling mistakes and that it makes an impact.

Again, preparation is the key – jot down the following:

  • Dates of employment – don’t leave any gaps. Record what you were doing, i.e, travelling, unemployed, raising children etc.
  • Job Titles
  • Duties and responsibilities
  • Personal profile
  • Skills
  • Education
  • Achievements
  • Hobbies & interests

Layout:

The look of the CV is almost as important as its content.  Try not to exceed 2 pages, stick to relevant information and keep it precise.

  1. Personal Data –
  2. Name – you could use this for your title
  3. Address – include postcode
  4. Phone Numbers – home, work, mobile
  5. E-mail address
  6. Date of Birth
  7. Nationality
  8. Personal Profile –
  9. Sell yourself in a few sentences
  10. Be truthful
  11. Talk about your strengths
  12.  Use words like, communication, interpersonal,                     generate,    implemented etc.
  13. Include some achievements
  14. Education –
  15. Start with most  recent first
  16. Name college, university, schools and location
  17. List qualifications gained
  18. List other courses/qualifications
  19. Keep it concise & neatly presented
  20. Career History –
  21. List all employment, starting with the most recent
  22. Dates started and finished
  23. Company name
  24. Job Title
  25. Bullet pointed list of responsibilities
  26. Reason for leaving
  27. Hobbies & Interests –
  28. Keep it brief
  29. Remember you are trying to create a good impression
  30. Additional information –
  31. Computer Packages
  32. Languages
  33. Travel
  34. Typing speed
  1. References –
  2. Note that references can be provided on request
  3. Not normally required unless specified.

Other Things to Consider:

  • Take your time
  • Read it thoroughly
  • Check there are no spelling mistakes
  • Do not put anything negative
  • Check it makes sense grammatically
  • Do not hand write it – it must look professional
  • Do not send photocopies – send an original

Covering Letters: 

  • Keep it concise
  • Type the letter in the same format as your CV
  • Ensure names and company names are spelt correctly
  • State which role you are applying for and where you saw it advertised
  • Don’t forget reference numbers
  • Write confidently and positively
  • Sell yourself and show what research you have done
  • Explain why you want the job and what skills and attributes you have
  • Check for errors