Top Tips
Writing your CV
Download Template Curriculum Vitae
Interview Tips
Writing your CV
We have provided a CV template to make it easier for you to create a professional CV. Now it’s time to write it.
Your details
The first part of the CV is vital - naturally include your name, but also remember to supply an up-to-date address, home and mobile numbers and email address so any potential employers can contact you easily.
Profile
If there’s one paragraph that’s going to be read, it’s this one. So take some time over it and don’t be satisfied until you get it right. The key is to highlight your main skill or strength and relate it to the key requirements of the job for which you’ve applied.
Areas of Experience
You should highlight key achievements you are proud of in your current role here. Five to ten points are ideal. Some skills are more tangible than others. So while communication and project management skills are difficult to substantiate, you should list every IT package or programme you’ve trained on, plus any foreign languages or similar skills you may have gained over the years.
Education / Professional Development / Training
Reverse chronological order, simply give brief details of your academic and professional qualifications plus the grades you achieved. Also provide details here of any professional development you have undertaken, as well as any training.Professional Experience and
Achievements
Starting with your most recent position first and working back in reverse chronological order, list the job title, company name, location and dates of your employment for each company. List your day to day duties as well as your key achievements. Keep it short and sweet and use bullet points where you can, so your CV can be easily scanned by the person reading it.
References
Not always necessary to list names on your CV, just make it clear that referees can be called on if required.
CV Tips
Many of these are simple common sense, but here’s a list of dos and don’ts:
Don’t:
- Jazz up your CV with images or colour
- Use long paragraphs
- Use flowery typefaces, Times New Roman or Arial are easier to read
- Use font sizes smaller than 11 point, employers won’t bother straining their eyes
- Use txt speak
Do:
- Check for spelling or typographical errors. They suggest a lack of care or desire for the job
- Get someone to look over your CV. Professional CV checkers scan hundreds of CVs a day and can spot something an employer won’t like in seconds
Download Template Curriculum Vitae
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