Creating a CV

Professional presentation will help make the right impression

and get you that job you want!

When applying for a job, it is likely that you will be up against a number of other candidates. Writing a professional C.V. is one way of getting noticed before you even set foot in the door. Interviewers may decide whether or not to see you on the strength of you C.V. Do not just think of it as a list of facts: it should also be a resume of your personal, educational, employment history as well as an indication of your own strengths and achievements.

People tend not to like writing about themselves. Some feel a bit odd at having to boast about themselves, while others go the other way and are tempted to oversell themselves, running the risk of getting caught out at a future date. The following key areas should help you on your way.

First step: Presentation

ü Use good quality white paper. Never give the impression that this is one of many CV's that you have photocopied and sent out indiscriminately.

ü Avoid italics and decorative fonts, tables/boxes and don't add an ornate border – you want to be noticed for what you say, not how you present it

ü Try to keep your CV to no more than two pages (stapled together, rather than bound or placed in a wallet)

ü Your C.V. is a representative of you and should arrive looking pristine.

ü Never send a C.V. without a covering letter explaining which vacancy you are

applying for. If you are writing on spec, send a short letter explaining what kind

of position you are interested in.

ü Do not fax a C.V. (unless asked to). It is a confidential document.

Second step: Structure

· Put your name right at the top of the front page, with your contact details, including your email address directly underneath your contact number

· Have a clear structure that is easy to understand and read. Your aim is to present facts about yourself concisely and with clarity

· Use bullet points rather than complete sentences, which can sometimes extend your CV with irrelevant information

· Your education, academic achievements and Employment History should be listed in reverse date order – University degree should come before your school exam results

· Always clarify gaps. If you took a year out, or carried out interim assignments, say so – otherwise, employers can suspect the worst .

· Ideally gear your C.V. to the vacancy. For example, if the need to take on

responsibility is stressed, provide positive examples of how you have done this

in the past, try not to send a “blanket” C.V.

· Never lie on a C.V. or you will undermine yourself from the outset.

· If you have worked somewhere for a few years, explain briefly how your job

title/responsibilities have changed. Show how you have developed since joining the company.

· Focus on major achievements, especially those most recently. Have you successfully managed any projects/brought in new systems/increased sales?

· Demonstrate on paper that you are an asset to your present employer.

· List a couple of your outside interests and skills. Perhaps you are multi-lingual? Do not forget leisure pursuits – participating in sports for example, shows the potential for team work. Also remember an interviewer could ask you a question about one of your hobbies.

· Double-check and proofread - always run a spell check over it carefully and re-read to ensure accuracy; then ask a friend to check it too.

· If you have to send your CV off via postal system, post the CV off in a good quality, clearly addressed, A4 envelope and post it first class (this indicates efficiency)

Your CV is the first impression your potential employer will have of you

Take the time to get it right – you may not have a second chance

Example List of Correct Spellings for:

u Liaison / Liaising / Liaise

u Organisation / Organisational

u Computerised