CV Writing Tips
Your CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a crucial part of the job application process and it is vital that you sell yourself as much as possible from the outset. A CV is often the only medium used to get an interview so it is imperative that it reflects your key skills and experience, as well as catching the attention of the reader!
A CV should summarise your educational background, employment, training, voluntary experience and special skills. Any other information that you feel is relevant may also help you to stand out for the position you are applying for.
Your CV should include (in this order)
Personal Details
Full name and address, contact telephone numbers (including area codes), email address, and whether or not you hold a full driving licence (you do not need to include any convictions).
Personal Profile
This is optional, but should show brief information about your personality, characteristics and your strengths, to be written in the third party. It can also include your career objectives.
Employment History
Always list your employment in reverse chronological order over the last 10 years. If you have only worked for 1 company, break it down showing each position held within the company or major projects dealt with.
Make sure you include Job title, name of organisation, type of business, city and dates of employment. List your responsibilities and achievements; the most important first, remember to elaborate on those areas that are particularly relevant to the position you are applying to.
If you have just left full-time education and do not have extensive work experience, include any previous part time positions (bar work etc.) as any experience will be seen in a good light, even though it may not be relevant to this particular role.
Education
List your highest achievement first stating qualification and grade, subject, dates and educational establishment. Continue with other qualifications down to senior school level.
Skills
Use this section to highlight any skills or training undertaken that is relevant to the position for which you are applying. State the level of your skills where possible with any certificates gained, or courses completed.
Papers Written / Publications
It is important to include any papers you may have had written or published. This can be a very prestigious accolade, but is often forgotten when writing the CV.
Professional Memberships
Mention any relevant professional memberships, as well as any contributions made to professional organisations.
Hobbies (Other activities)
This should be brief and show your interests away from the work environment. Always be truthful, you may be asked a question about more obscure hobbies!
References
If you wish to add references to your CV, two are adequate; you should include your current or last employer. Alternatively, if you have recently finished education, the use of a college lecturer, or professor is accepted.
It is quite common to not write references on the CV, but to say ‘references available on request’.
Don’t forget to ask your referees permission; it will be very embarrassing for you if you cite a previous manager as your referee only to be told they have left the company.
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