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How long?
The CV is the first part of the process to getting the job you want. It needs to catch the attention of the potential employer. So to ensure your CV has the impact necessary to get selected for interview, your CV should be written following the rules and suggestions listed below. Being concise is the key to a good CV. As the volume of responses is often high, most employers skim read them initially. It should ideally be two pages, never more than three. What it should contain
- Personal details; name, nationality (and visa status), address, contact details - telephone numbers for home, mobile and office, and an e-mail address.
- Education and professional qualifications in chronological order: name and dates of your secondary school, number of O levels/GCSEs, A Level subjects (or equivalent) with year taken and grades achieved; your university, dates, degree course, degree classification and similar details for any further and higher educational courses.
- Employment in chronological order; start with your current job and employer (outlining the nature of its business) and work backwards. Remember to provide dates of employment with each particular employer.
- For each job, include your job title (or titles if you were promoted or moved internally). Outline your main duties and achievements in each company/position. Be concise and use between six and eight points. Use the past tense for previous roles.
Making it count
Layout and title each section and role clearly.
White space is good – the easier it is to read, the better. If you have a lot to say, it may be better to shorten what you are saying rather than cram it all in. Keep it simple and get to the point quickly.
Tailor your CV to each specific application putting the most relevant points to the top of the role.
Very carefully check spelling and grammar - get someone to check it! And the don’ts
- Don't leave gaps in your experience – travelling, children, whatever it is say so.
- Don’t use title sheets or have the document bound – the reviewer wants to get to your details quickly without having to go through extras to get there.
- Don't lie or exaggerate – if you go through to interview, you will be asked to explain and account for much of what you have written.
- A photograph, marital status and religious details are NOT needed, and driving licence details should only be included if driving is part of the role you seek.
- Avoid using coloured paper, unusual folders or a varied range of font types and sizes.
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