The CV is your key marketing tool and still probably one of the weakest documents we see on a daily basis.  It is the first impression a person gets of you, whether it’s an agency or Client and decisions are formed on the presentation and content as to whether you will be selected for an interview, so it’s in your best interest to ensure that it markets you properly. 

Overall, the perfect CV is a business document that highlights all your skills in a clear concise and accurate manner and is well prepared and formatted.  You need to ask yourself the question:  Would you interview you, if you received your CV?

 

What your CV needs


Apart from the information below, your CV should look visually pleasing and show that you have spent some time on it – what impression are you giving a future employer! 


Front Page

  • Name, address, contact details (mobile, land line & e-mail)
  • Professional Qualifications Levels passed & Dates
        a. It is not necessary to list every module taken
  • Summary of external Courses taken and dates
  • Summary of Education
        a. University, College Schools & Dates 
        b. Qualifications taken & Grades achieved
        c. It is not necessary to list every module taken
  • Computer systems used in your employment that you are confident using
  • Skills – i.e. Typing skills, Data processing skills etc
  • For Non-UK workers Type of Visa


Employment History              

  • Dates of employment, Months & year
  • Name of Company, Type of Business
  • Position – state whether Temp, Interim or Permanent
  • Duties
        a. Ideally written in bullet point format (as it’s easier to read)
        b. Responsible to/Responsible for
        c. Size of Team or Company
        d. Try to list the duties in the order you would deal with them
        e. Do not miss anything out! Many times the person reading your
            CV does not do your job – so spell it, out they need to see everything
        f. If you do more than one role – group the duties of each role together
        g. List computer systems used in role, what level you used them for
        h.  Any achievements in your role
        i. Reason for Leaving

Do's & Dont's

  • Ensure your spelling and grammar is correct
  • Try to remember contact names and contact details for your roles – 
    re Referees for future employment
  • Do not write; I did this, I did that – maybe use ‘Responsible for’
  • Do not overdo the creative element - i.e. Use too many colours or fonts -
    keep it simple – you are applying for a job!
  • Keep it relevant – do not waffle
  • Do not fabricate or be too vague the questions below will always be asked and evidence required.
        a. Changing Grades of exams
        b. By over exaggerating your role
        c. Changing dates of employment
  • Do not write your in Rap format (yes we did receive one!)

                                                                                                                   


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