•
|
It must look
professional and have a high impact layout. |
|
• |
It must be typed on a word
processor, with copies clearly produced. |
|
• |
You should use word processing
software that is largely universal, such as Microsoft Word, so that
the CV can be readily emailed. |
|
• |
Use a condensed type face (eg. elite
or times new roman rather than pica or courier) but do not crown the
information. |
|
• |
Unless you are applying for Creative
Design or Graphics posts, the CV should be in black in on white or
possibly vellum A4 paper. |
|
• |
The CV should match your printed
stationery and envelopes and be of a reasonable business quality |
|
• |
The language should be easy to read
and understand, with key points and performance measures quickly
identifiable. |
|
• |
It should not be burdened with
jargon – it may well be read by a non-specialist in your field. |
|
• |
It should be no longer than 2 pages,
3 at the maximum. More than this and it becomes boring. |
|
• |
Use action words with
sentences kept short and punchy, but not abbreviated.
See example of action
words. |
|
• |
Exclude the personal pronouns “I”
and “We”. |
|
• |
It should try to be original, but
not gimmicky |
|
• |
It should not overuse the same word
– use a Thesaurus! |
|
• |
It should not be repetitive (eg. do
not give age and date of birth) |
|
• |
The CV should portray you as an
achiever and problem solver (your new boss will want solutions not
difficulties!) |
|
• |
Keep some good points back for the
interview. The CV should whet the appetite for the main course, so
hold back some surprises for later, without selling yourself short
now. |
|
• |
Use general job titles, covering
broad areas of responsibility. Designations can be widened by adding
“specialist” (eg. “Audit Specialist”) |
|
• |
Wherever possible, quote results in
figures. |
|
• |
Do not include salary. Too high or
too low could rule you out. At this stage it is best to indicate that
everything is negotiable depending on the opportunities involved. |
|
• |
Always tell the truth, do not
exaggerate and never include anything that can’t be verified. |
|
• |
Do not include irrelevancies. |
|
• |
Dates should usually be given to the
year, not day or month. |
|
• |
Highlight activities that you did
directly/personally yourself, but also show your relationship as part
of a team. |
|
• |
If you have top grades in your
qualifications, include them (eg. First Class Honours, Straight “A”
Grades). Otherwise do not be too specific. |
|
• |
Do not include references or
comments about their availability. |
|
• |
Normally do not include sports,
hobbies or pastimes, politics etc unless they are relevant. |
|
• |
Some professional CV writers do not
include details about marital status and children, but this is a
matter of preference depending how purely job orientated you require
the CV. |
|
• |
A profile statement of a sentence or
two at the top, encapsulating the essence of what you are, can act as
a good introduction. |
|
• |
If you include an “objective
clause”, then make it general rather than specific. |
Once your draft CV has been completed,
test it out on your friends and colleagues to obtain their first
impressions. Once you have made any corrections you feel necessary, have
it copied on a laser printer.
Remember it is always possible to have
more than one CV if you wish, with each having a different emphasis
based on the opening you are targeting. Emphasis, or specific
achievements, can also be dealt with in your covering letter, which must
not simply be a repetition of the CV.
Finally, it is most important that you
are comfortable with the CV you have produced. It should clearly
represent you and your style. It must not appear to be false – BEWARE
the “perfect CV” as interviewers could be suspicious. Remember you will
be using the CV as a platform at an interview, so it is essential that
the “written you” is comparable to “you in person”!
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