Your CV is the most important document when
applying for a new job.
It doesn't matter how long it's taken you
to write it or how pretty it is -- the employer
will take 5 seconds to form an opinion -- so
the first impressions really do count.
You have to show that you have the necessary
competencies and skills to match the job in question.
There are a few simple rules to produce an
accurate, concise and well presented CV.
Write the CV yourself. The CV has to represent
you and the language you use. You will be
expected to talk about your CV in the interview
and employers will pick up if your CV has
been written by someone else.
The best way to start your CV will be with
your contact details:
Your name
Your full address
Your contact Telephone numbers, both home
and mobile.
Your e-mail address
The following are not necessary to have on
your CV.
Date of Birth
Marital Status
Nationality
I was a big fan of using a personal profile
but of late, I find it more important to include
a Key achievements heading to start your CV.
This shows that you are dynamic and actually have achievemed in your career.
Always back this up with compelling facts. Personal profiles
Personal profiles, I find, are very similar and always include the following...
Employment History comes next
Always give the most recent job first.
Include the dates that you have worked
The Company name and the location of where
you worked.
The Title of your most recent position
And then a description of your duties and
responsibilities. Be concise and clear.
And then the previous job next with the similar
information as above.
After this you will need to include your Education
-- again with the most recent first.
Always start with the most relevant qualification
for the job.
Always give the summary of your qualification
and the dates and the results you achieved.
This then follows with relevant training which
comes in a separate section.
The interests and Hobbies section should never
be underestimated. Show hobbies
where this can demonstrate your skills outside of the
work place and these skills could then be
transferred to those in the work place.
The last part of the CV is References -- you
do not have to include the referees details.
In essence
Make sure it is
Following the above rules will stand you in
good stead and really help you get to the interview stage.
We will also be doing a video on
Preparing for the interview
Strengths and weakness and other
related interview questions
We hope that this has been informative, and we welcome any feedback or comments you may have.
