When looking for a job, then it is very important that you understand how to offer yourself in the best way to an employer. One of the best ways to do this is to write a good CV.

A CV is quite simply an 'advert' to sell yourself to an employer. Employers receive lots of CVs and some jobs attract hundreds of applicants. So the purpose of your CV is to make you attractive, interesting, worth considering to the company and so receive a job interview.

So here is some practical advice on how to take those all-important first steps toward an exciting new job. Don't forget that your Employment Advisor is here to help you in any way they can.

• Keep your CV brief and to the point - two pages is a good length
• A CV should be constructed on a word-processor (or at least typed), well laid out and printed on a good quality printer
• Do use bold or underline print for headings
• Do not use lots of different font types and sizes
• Do use the spell-check on your computer
• Consider using 'bullets' to start sub-sections or lists
• Don't lie about work experience or falsify academic qualifications - it's easy to get caught out

Your CV should include the following;

Personal Information

Full name, address, home telephone number, email address, date of birth, marital status (married or single) and nationality.

Education/Qualifications

Give places of education where you have studied - most recent education first. Include subject options taken in each year of your course.

Pre-college courses (high school, etc.) should then be included, including grades. Earlier courses, taken at say age 15-16, may not need much detail.

Training Courses

List any training courses that you have attended, including company courses, and any you have attended on your own initiative. If you obtained a qualification on any course, make sure you list it.

Work Experience

Start with your most recent or current job and work backwards. For each position, list your job title (e.g. Administrator, Shop Assistant etc), and when you started and finished in each job. Give the name of the company and include a brief description of the service they provide. Set out your main responsibilities, achievements, duties, and skills that could be transferred to another employer. Be specific and positive about your skills, e.g. 'good written skills' may be a better description of your abilities rather than 'good communication skills'.

Skills

List any computer skills you have, including the make and type of equipment you are familiar with, the software and operating system used, e.g. Word, Excel, and Microsoft Windows etc. If you have foreign language skills, please list them and indicate your level of fluency: fluent, good working knowledge, etc. Where appropriate you should include your typing or shorthand speeds.

Hobbies/Interests

They will be particularly interested in activities where you have leadership or responsibility, or which involve you in relating to others in a team. Give only enough detail to explain. If you have published any articles, jointly or by yourself, give details. If you have been involved in any type of volunteer work, do give details.

References

Usually give two names - one from your place of study, and one from any work situation you have had. If this does not apply, then an older family friend who has known you for some time. Make sure that referees are willing to give you a reference. Give their day and evening phone numbers if possible.

Covering Letter

When sending in a CV or job application form, you must include a covering letter. The purpose of the letter is to make sure that the CV arrives on the desk of the correct person. To persuade the person to read your CV it must be relevant to the company, interesting, well produced and clearly say what job you are interested in.

Draw attention to one or two key points in the CV which you feel make you suited to that particular job with that particular employer.

• Start your letter with an underline heading giving the job title you are interested in (If you saw the job advertised, say where you saw it.)
• Use the style and pattern of a business letter. Ask for advice about this. Try to find sample business letters so that you can follow style and layout. The letter should only be on one side of A4 paper. It must be polite and easy to read
• Also mention when you are available for an interview. Ending your letter with a request for specific extra information may give a positive response

Application Forms

To apply for some jobs, the employer will send you an application form. You should still use a covering letter, and send your CV also unless told not to. Application forms need as much care to write as CVs.

• Make photocopies of the form so you can prepare a number of drafts in rough
• Read through the form and make sure you understand the instructions and what each section is asking
• Make sure you follow all the instructions - use black ink and block capitals where requested, so as to ensure good quality photocopying for the interview stage
• Your answers need to include evidence from all aspects of your life - academic, work experience, personal achievements, societies and sport - providing specific examples to strengthen your case
• Under 'Work History', jobs should be listed in order by job title, employers' names and locations - there is no need to give the full addresses
• Personal information - Some forms or sections of forms ask you to tick basic data about your age, qualifications and practical skills. Ensure you complete this fully
• References - Most forms require you to provide the names and addresses of at least two people who will act as referees for you. If there is no guidance as to which two, select a member of staff from school or college who knows your work, and someone who knows you in a work environment. Your school head teacher or a family friend are not normally appropriate. Whoever you choose, always ask their permission first