Writing your CV

 

  • Presentation – make sure the format and font are aesthetically pleasing.
  • Spelling and Grammar – Check it once; get someone else to check it, and then check it a third time.
  • Make your CV easy to read, clear and concise. Do not use long sentences. Bullet points are good.
  • Check you personal details are correct, include your date of birth.
  • Work History – start with your present or most recent employment and work backwards. Make sure you put all months and years on and expand on the most relevant roles. Make sure there are no gaps; if you have been travelling or out of work, say so.
  • Include all relevant work experience and achievements. Also include anything outside of work that could be relevant, especially examples of volunteering.
  • Be honest – don’t bend the truth or fabricate.
  • You do not need to explain why you left each post but, if your CV gives an impression of job hopping, then it can be useful to put such details, eg. “Short term contract”, “left to travel” or whatever.
  • It should be no more than 2 pages unless you are advanced in your career and only then in exceptional cases.
  • Do not include your past salary details on your CV.
  • You do not need to include every detail of your education, unless you are coming straight from school.
  • Write in the first person not the third… “I am”… rather than; “Richard is”.
  • Use a computer, using a typewriter or hand writing a CV is no longer acceptable.
  • There is no need to include references on your CV or the line”references available on request”. You will be asked for these at a later stage.