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A CV is the most effective
tool you can use to generate interest in your application. A CV is an
advertisement of yourself, an effective sales tool if executed correctly.
The details you need to
include should be clear and concise.
The longer a CV is, the
more likely your reader will lose interest in your application. As a rule of
thumb, CV’s of 1 to 2 pages are ideal, with 3 pages being a maximum. A 3 page CV
is usually suffice for most positions.
Increasingly, CV’s are
being e-mailed to employers. This is a fast and effective method of delivery but
to minimise any problems it’s advisable to create your CV using a widely
accepted word-processing application. We recommend using Microsoft Word.
The use of graphics etc.
livens up a CV and makes it more prominent. However bear in mind that these may
increase the file size of the document and make it difficult and time consuming
to download, if sent via e-mail.
A critical piece of
information is your desired and current salary details. Omitting this can result
in your CV finding its way to the ‘reject’ pile. Include the details, not on
your CV but in a covering letter.
Do not write your CV in
the third person, it is yourself you are marketing, not an impersonal third
party. CV’s written in this style create an air of formality and stuffiness.
Misspelling and poor
punctuation are common faults and should be avoided. Use a spell-checker and get
someone else to read through your CV to check for correct punctuation.
Formats vary depending on
what position has been applied for but there are key areas that should be
covered. These include:
Personal Details
Start your CV with all
your personal details such as name, address, postcode, telephone details
including mobile and fax numbers, e-mail address, date of birth, nationality,
details of driving licence, marital status, willingness to re-locate and
language proficiency. Make sure all details are correct.
Overview (optional)
You may want to include an
overview of yourself at the beginning of the CV. This will outline what type of
person you are, what key skills you possess, your achievements and the type of
job and company you are looking for.
Qualifications (educational)
These should include your
highest qualification first and then work back chronologically.
Professional Courses
List all relevant training
courses.
Employment History
Your employment details
are very important and should start with your current or most recent position.
The name of the company, title of the job and the dates of your employment are
key features. Detail your key responsibilities and tasks. Use more descriptive
text to cover your most recent career history – e.g. the last 5 years, less on
your earlier career.
Computer Skills
Describe your computer
skills by platforms, systems and applications.
Hobbies and Interests
Companies are interested
to read about details concerning hobbies etc. The only tip here is to ensure you
remember what hobbies you have included on your CV and be able to talk about the
subject if asked!
References
If possible, list at
least two names with titles and contact details. |
