Writing a CV
A good CV is a great way to sell yourself to an employer. Your CV should show an employer that you have the skills and abilities they are looking for in a particular role, so you should always make your CV as relevant to the position you are applying for as possible.
Top tips for a great CV:
- Keep your CV brief and to the point - two pages is a good length
- A CV should be typed and printed – never handwritten
- 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 qualifications - it's easy to get caught out
You should always include the following information on your CV:
Personal Information
Full name, address, home telephone number, email address and nationality.
Work Experience & Skills
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. Don’t be shy telling people about your skills, be as positive and specific as you can, and be sure to include any computer or technical skills you have, again, be as specific as you can.
Education & Training
List the places where you have studied – starting with the most recent. Include subject options taken in each year of your course, and include what grades you have achieved. You should also list any training or courses you have been on, and if you gained a qualification at the end of it, make sure you list it.
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 the names of two people who would give you a reference, wither a previous employer, teacher or somebody who has known you for some time. Make sure the people you list have agreed to give you a reference and include their daytime and evening phone numbers.
Covering Letter
You should always send a 1 page covering letter with your CV. This will help your CV get to the right person in the company and create a good first impression. Always write clearly the position you are interested in at the top of the letter so they know which job you want to apply for.
Always make sure your covering letter is polite and easy to read, and let them know that you are available for an interview.