Writing a CV; tips for success

Different countries have different opinions about the length a CV should be, but there is a general consensus nowadays that it should be condensed into a single page with both sides included. This is because the CV was never intended to be a full account of you as a person, but rather a brief summary of your key points in a style which is easy to read. It’s worth remembering that the CV won’t get you the job, but the interview instead.

To consider this from the employer’s point of view, they are only interested in whether you can answer the question of what you can do for them. Whilst concentrating on, ensure that your CV looks presentable, is well structured and has all the information an employer needs to put you through to the next stage. Make sure to include the following six paragraphs;

The first paragraph refers to your personal information, and should include your name, postal address, email address (preferred method of contact) and telephone number. Photos are optional and sometimes very useful, but be careful with other information. Details like marital status, age and health can actually be negative factors and its best not to include them.

In the second paragraph you should write a professional statement. This should explain the type of positions you are interested in, wrapped up in language that sells your particular skills, and ideally no longer than two sentences. You might also describe your career goals, but try not to be too specific or vague.

Following that, the next paragraph relates to your education. It’s usually clearest to list your experiences chronologically with the most recent first. Include information like the name of the institution, qualification and level of achievement, and any major courses. For most graduates, the lowest level of education included should be university or college unless higher education was never undertaken.

Work experience comes next, and again should be written chronologically with the most recent first. The company name, dates of work and position held are essential pieces of information. You should then expand on the details in additional sentences, explaining your main responsibilities and what you did on an average day. It’s a great chance to write about your skills and abilities with extremely positive language, and you should make the most of it. If you lack any paid work experience, make sure to include voluntary work instead.

The fifth paragraph pertains to your personal hobbies and interests, and is the other main chance to sell your skills to the employer. For those with little or no work experience, this section is the most important part of your CV, so time and attention should be given to it. Try to prove to the employer that you are confident as an individual but also a great team player, so include information like languages and instrumental abilities for the former, and memberships of sports clubs for the latter. You should also list any additional achievements and qualifications not earlier mentioned.

The last section to include is your references, and must be as objective as possible. The usual style is to include two referees, a professional and an academic. If a professional is not possible due to lack of work experience, a personal reference is possible provided that personal holds a respected job in society (teacher, lawyer, doctor, etc.) and is not a relative.

You should include their names and contact details, as you did in your own personal information, as well as their job position. For politeness, make sure to inform them ahead of time that they may be contacted from the employer.

As was described, a CV is a brief summary of experience and abilities and should aim to be easily absorbable to the employer. Any of these areas may be questioned in an interview so it’s vital to tell the truth, but feel free to use creative and positive vocabulary to enhance the overall effect and selling potential. Good luck.