How should I prepare and write my CV?
- There are no universal rules for writing CVs. However, there are useful guidelines that will help you produce a CV that generates results.
- Jot down notes on your education, experience, skills and any professional or academic organisations you belong to.
- When recalling your previous employment, don't simply give job descriptions; think through the purpose of each job, the responsibilities you handled and the specific results you achieved. Write down when you started and finished each job. Take care to avoid unexplained jobs.
- If you had spells of unemployment, describe what you did with your time - you may have been travelling, working voluntarily or even developing your skills on formal courses.
For better results...
- Matching your skills and experience to the employer's needs will improve your chances of securing an interview.
- A CV must promote your strengths and aptitudes and demonstrate the benefits you can bring to the organisation. So tailor your CV to a specific position wherever possible. Always be honest and accurate.
How should I present my CV?
Here are some general rules:
1. Make your CV simple, keeping descriptions brief and factual;
2. Your CV should be no longer than two sides;
3. State clearly the type of work you want and why you are qualified;
4. Use active verbs that describe your skills, abilities and achievements
5. Use a clear and logical format, organising your CV by job titles, with the most recent position listed first, or arranging your employment history into sections that highlight key areas of skill and achievement;
6. Use clear headings, simple language and adequate margins and line spacing.
