CV Writing

Does your CV make a prospective employer want to invite you to that all-important job interview? The aim of your CV is to get you that passport opportunity. It is your sales pitch. You only have one chance to xpress yourself as the person potentially suitable for the job.

No matter what the opportunity, there are a number of basic rules, which should always be adhered to when preparing your CV. With our xperience we have listed several points for you to remember when you are compiling your CV.

We have compiled this List of ‘Do’s and Don’ts for easy reading.

Do's

  • Keep your CV to no more than 3 pages
  • Start with a Summary – Highlight what you have to offer – major achievements. Be short and sweet, no more that two to three lines of text.
  • Personal details name, address, contact numbers along with e-mail address if you have one – remember to make sure you have a main contact number.
  • Put your date of birth in - employers will think you've got something to hide if you don't
  • Education – employers like to see details of all types of qualifications, from school leaving to degrees and professional qualifications (but not every subject)
  • Employment History list in a chronological order with current employers first, account for any employment gaps. Always include the exact dates within your CV – months and years are sufficient.
  • Put your job duties in a readable format e.g. bullet points – tell everyone what you have ‘achieved’ show results.
  • Interests and Hobbies – keep to a minimum as in most cases these will not be directly related to the position. However they may be able to tell an employer a lot about your personality, leadership potential and team working skills, so they should not be completely overlooked.
  • (Be honest at all times) good recruiters and potential employers will double check your story if you have exaggerated or bent the truth you maybe caught out and this could potentially damage your career for good.
  • References – only include references on your CV if they can be contacted at any time without prior warning.
  • Tailor your CV to the job you are applying for

Don'ts

  • Don’t attach a photo – this is too subjective.
  • Don’t use bright coloured paper, just professional writing paper – A4.
  • Don’t waffle or write too much.
  • Don’t use professional jargon, expand abbreviations or use plain English.
  • Don't spend too much space on hobbies and interests.
  • Don't handwrite your CV - get it typed up.
  • Don't forget to update dates and contact numbers if you leave a company.
  • Don’t’ forget to get someone to check your grammar and your speling.

Once you have completed your CV for a prospective recruiter or employer, make sure you send your CV with a covering letter to the correct person, highlighting the position you are applying for or the type of position you are ideally looking for based on your skills and experience to-date.

We hope that these tips have assisted you in preparing an effective CV, and in so enabling you to xpress yourself during that all-important interview.

Good Luck!!

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