| TIPS for creating a good CV |
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TIPS FOR CREATING A GOOD CV
Contents 1. Preparation 2. CV Layout 3. Contents of a CV
3.2 Personal profile 3.3 Qualifications / Education 3.4 Work history 3.5 References 3.6 Hobbies and interests 4. Finishing off your CV
5. Finally (updating a CV)
1. Preparation Gather together all the information that you will need to prepare your CV
NOTE. Some employers may wish to see proof of your qualifications so you may wish to consider putting them together in a separate folder and take with you to your interview.
2. CV Layout Consider how you wish to present your CV but it is worth remembering that although it has got to look good, more important is its impact on the reader. It needs to be
You should try to keep your CV to two or three pages. It should look clean and tidy with no frills or fancy attachments, and all the information should be clearly signposted. Use a recognised black font of reasonable size, use bold and maybe underline for headings. Avoid using colour, italics and things like shadowing. If you are printing and then posting your CV, use good quality white paper.
3. Contents of a CV There is no precise format for a CV but you may wish to consider the following headings which should contain all the information a future employer is looking for.
3.1 Personal details Primary information will be your name and address, telephone and email contact details.
Other information you may wish to provide could include:- date of birth, marital status, nationality, gender and driving details. But do remember that you are NOT obliged to give this information; you should only do so if you think it will help with your application.
DO NOT provide your national insurance number (NI). You should also refrain from including your picture.
3.2 Personal Profile This should be a clear and concise summary of your skills and ability and geared, if practical to do so, to the job being applied for. Your first attempt at a profile may be good but be self-critical and be prepared to change it. Get a second opinion.
3.3 Qualifications / Education Provide a list of your qualifications along with grades or range obtained. Do not forget to include any professional qualifications.
3.4 Work history List your most recent experience first, continuing in reverse chronological order. Identify each company you worked for, the dates of your employment and the position you held.
For each company describe your duties and responsibilities using straightforward, positive language and highlight your key achievements. It may help to highlight these duties by using bullet points.
If it is not obvious, it may be desirable to describe the nature of a company's business.
3.5 References (Optional) It is most likely that future employers will require references so you can either state them here indicating when and how they may be contacted or simply state that "references are available on request".
At least 1 reference should be from a former employer.
3.6 Hobbies and interests (Optional) It is not vital to include hobbies and interests but it might create an interest at an interview.
However, do not be tempting to put things like "socialising" or "going out with friends" - there is nothing to gain.
4. Finishing off your CV You will need to thoroughly check your CV ensuring that
Remember your CV is your personal "sales document" and you need to ensure that who ever reads it will want to find out more about you - ideally at an interview.
5. Finally By following these notes you ought to be able to produce a good CV, but as it a "live" document you should be prepared to update it, for example when you change jobs or after gaining further qualifications.
Also it is seldom the case that one CV "fits all" and so it may well be appropriate to modify your CV when applying for a new position.
These notes have been prepared by TDT Recruitment Consultancy Ltd for guidance purposes only and individuals take full responsibility for the content, layout, accuracy and use of their own CV. |
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