Whether delivered electronically or in hard copy, CVs are crucial 'forward envoys', which introduce you to potential further employers who will use them to decide whether they want to investigate you further.
We have compiled some common sense, simple tips that will help you gain a hearing. Please bear in mind that these are not comprehensive and you may receive conflicting advice. For these reasons, it is vital that you put great thought to your CV's presentation and only submit one that you are entirely comfortable with:
- Make details relevant to the vacancy. Set them out briefly and logically, keeping the layout simple.
- Always tailor your CV to the requirements of the particular post you are applying for, refering to the job description and the company. Remember, many employers and recruiters hold CVs electronically and search for key words.
- Avoid decoration and illustration. Make your CV uncluttered and easy-to-follow, allowing any reader to find relevant information quickly.
- Avoid 'padding'! Only use as many words as are needed. Even older candidates or those who have held many temporary roles, should confine the CV to three A4 pages.
- Do not include every job. Most employers are really only concerned with your more recent positions, not those held two decades ago.
- The front page should include personal details, full contact information, educational qualifications, relevant skills (i.e. those specified by the employer) and any potentially useful ones (e.g. clean driving licence, foreign language) and a work experience summary.
- Graduates can list areas/modules studied if you are applying for their first full-time post during their course, as well as internships
- Don't include personal statements, hobbies and interests on your CV unless specifically requested.
- Always include employers information when compiling work experience, this includes employer's name, job title, a brief overview of responsibilities and employment dates
- Don't list every course you have ever attended, or every single position held with a company. Be discriminating and select what is relevant to and useful for the role you are applying for.
- Describe the most relevant post you were employed in, including an accurate, brief overview of day-to-day duties, any special responsibilities and the reporting structure
