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Curriculum Vitae
Whether you're looking for full or part-time work, a CV is a must for any serious job seeker. The aim of a CV is to present information about you in such a way that the employer will want to meet you.
Employers get lots of CVs, so the important thing is to make yours stand out. Make sure it addresses what the employer wants. Have 3 or 4 different CVs with a change of emphasis for different job directions or employers.
When sending a CV to an employer, always send it with a covering letter (see section on letter writing).
Guidelines on putting together a CV
- Your CV should always be typed.
- Keep it to 2 sides of A4.
- Be positive about your achievements.
- Use short, descriptive 'power words' to make your CV more dynamic.
- Try not to use the same word too many times in one letter, CV or application form.
- Try to avoid too many bland words when describing yourself. For example, replace 'I am very good at...' with 'I am extremely capable/competent with...'
- Check everything carefully, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
- Ask someone else to check it for you.
What should you include?
- Your name, address, telephone number and date of birth
- Names of secondary school/s and colleges attended, with dates
- Exam grades and dates achieved
- Any non-examined courses
- Positions of responsibility you have held in or out of school
- Activities and interests
- Work experience/voluntary work
- Other skills (i.e. ability to drive, type, or speak a foreign language)
- Strengths, career goals and aspirations
See examples in the Related Downloads
Sept 2009
Posted on 29 September 2009
