CV Tips
The aim of your CV is to sell yourself to a prospective employer. You therefore have to create an effective CV outlining your abilities and achievements. You only have one chance to impress that potential employer so make sure you capture their attention and show that you have the ability to do the job.
Keep it simple, stick to the facts. An overcrowded CV will detract from your unique selling points. It will not impress, just make the reader bored and uninterested.
Avoid templates, this is your chance to stand out. Although you have to include certain information in your CV take the opportunity to make it individual.
Communicate your strengths, achievements and your individual personality. This is your CV so make sure it portrays you in the best possible light.
Be honest. It's all too easy to be caught out.
Use strong positive language. Words such as gained, achieved, managed and responsible for, all highlight your individual profile.
Spelling and Grammar. Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors are the biggest sin in writing your CV.
What needs to be included?
Personal details
Identify yourself, otherwise how will the reader know who you are. Include name, address, contact numbers, date of birth, nationality, marital status and sex.
Personal profile
You don't have to include a personal profile, but if done well they are always a nice touch.
Education
Start with your most recent qualification and work your way back to O level / GCSE. Include, name and address of school / university, dates attended, subjects taken and grades achieved.
Skills
List all relevant skills i.e. computer courses, Languages.
Work Experience
Paint a picture of your professional career, start with your current or most recent position including name of company, start and end dates. Work backwards briefly summarising your roles highlighting areas of responsibility, achievements and successes. A strong career means high profile job roles, blue chip clients and latest technology expertise. If you have these then make the most of them.
Activities
Include professional, personal or community awards, organisation memberships, hobbies and interests. Express yourself as this is a chance to show whom you really are.
References
Either list your referees at the bottom of your CV or write "available on request", and make sure they are.