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Preparing your CV

Preparation

In applying for a job your CV and covering letter are crucial. They are all that is a prospective employer knows about you until the interview stage.

Think about your skills, competencies, qualifications and experience. What are your unique selling points and strengths? If you are replying to a specific job advertisement, think about the key words and tasks that were used in the advertisement. Which of these apply to you? Plan to use these words in your CV.

Structure

Remember that you want potential employers to read your CV and respond positively to it. Include just enough information to stimulate interest, but not so much that you bore the reader. Two pages is an ideal length. Every word must contribute to the overall message, so keep it brief and make sure the content is relevant to the job you are looking for now, not your last one!

Ensure your CV is well structured; this reinforces the impression that you think logically and it makes the CV easier to read. A CV that is hard to read is more likely to be rejected. When writing the CV remember that opinions are best avoided unless they’re someone else’s! For example you might include a statement or fact from a recent appraisal. Pay close attention to reply instructions. Have someone check your spelling and grammar.

Presentation and layout

  • Always ensure that your CV is laser-printed on white, good quality paper, use a clean typeface and don’t go smaller than 12 point.
  • The use of sub-headings (e.g. Personal profile, Career history, etc.) will help potential employers glean the information they require with ease.
  • There should be clear spaces between category headings for easy clarification and definition.
  • Your name, address and phone number(s) should be included at the beginning of the document. If you are giving a work number add the following – “please use with discretion.”
  • Beginning with your present or most recent employer, state your career history. Then list your professional qualifications. If you have been working for many years list your academic qualifications and a very brief mention as to your College or Schooling.
  • If you are just starting your working life, having previously been a student, provide more in depth information regarding your academic achievements.

Content

Begin with a bold profile about yourself and your abilities – give the reader a snapshot of the person you are and the skills you possess. Keep it short, objective and make sure you can back up the statements at your interview. Starting with your current or most recent employment provide these details:

  • Job title
  • Time that you have held this position
  • The key tasks and responsibilities.
  • Notable achievements
  • Where possible quantify your achievements with precise facts and figures, e.g. Managed junior staff, handled department budget, prepared management reports
  • Expand on the skills you are using in your current job which you believe will be valuable in the position(s) for which you are applying

It is not necessary to state the reason you are leaving your current position. This will be a topic for conversation when you are invited for interview or can be covered in your letter of application. For all previous employment, unless one appointment was more significant than your current or last position, keep details brief i.e. the name of the company, job title, period of employment and the job. Be sure there are no gaps in your career history – unless for example you took a year out to travel, in which case make reference to this under Interests/Hobbies.

If you are a student just starting work, give any evidence you can to demonstrate your practical skills e.g. school prefect, event organiser, member of sports team, contributor to your college magazine, or voluntary work. You are under no obligation to disclose marital status, age or whether or not you have children unless these are specific criteria for selection for a position that you are interested in.

Consider what examples (Interests/ Hobbies) you can give to show that you match the selection criteria. If they want someone to work in a team, remember to say if you belong to a local organisation or if you are part of a sports team. If they want someone who will work on their own for large periods of time, make reference to an Open University course you are considering undertaking.

Your primary objective is to convince the prospective employer that you have the requisite skills, experience and hunger to do the job. Your CV should be no more than two A4 pages and as every employer is different remember to customise your CV to every job you go after.

Remember – this is ‘your’ opportunity to sell ‘yourself!’ you will never get a second chance to make a first impression! Good luck!

It is recommended that two referees are given – include their official titles, addresses and telephone numbers.