The CV is your first knock on the door – it’s your document and is therefore the one aspect of the recruitment process of which you have full control over.
Be as positive and relevant as possible as recruiters are busy people.
Before you begin the process of writing your CV, be aware of some of the basic fundamentals of what make a good CV:
Basic fundamentals
- Be concise to keep your CV to a maximum of 2 pages in length (single sides)
- Use a clear and easy readable font
- Carefully layout the content so as not to look cramped
- Check and double check your spelling and grammar
- Do not fold your CV, but rather post or deliver it in an A4 envelope
- Review and update your CV regularly
- Tailor your CV for every job application
Your name and contact details should be written clearly at the top of the document.
A personal profile
This is a short statement at the beginning of your CV. It must be fact based and not subjective waffle like “I am a dynamic team player”. Detail your core experience, your skills, what industry you have operated in and, if relevant, the customers you have responsibility for. Include positive words such as ‘competent’, ‘adaptable’ etc.
Interests
Unless you do something particularly interesting or have some sporting or artistic achievement, feel free to leave this section out rather than write that you like socializing with friends, long walks with your dog and reading romantic novels. Remember you are trying to make yourself stand out from the other candidates.
Career History
Your career history should be displayed in reverse chronological order – i.e. your most recent job first. Provide details on the dates you were employed at each organization, together with your job title and the company name.
Education
Put education at the end. The qualification, year and awarding body should suffice. If you feel a particular module or study is relevant to the position you can include it if you so wish.
Referees
It is important to have at least two referees who can provide a work reference. Ideally one should be your most recent employer.
If you include a line that referees will be available upon request make sure to have these details available should any potential employer seek them.