Your CV is your first impression and the only way to enlighten prospective employers on your abilities and suitability for the job. It is an extension of you; it represents your personality, your education/skills and your previous job experience. Usually, your CV will be competing against many others. Although you may be the perfect candidate for the job, if your CV is not superior you will be overlooked.

Your CV should consist of specific information about you. Write a list of important headings and prioritise them in order of significance.

A suggested list of headings is:

• Name, Date of birth, Address, Telephone number (evening and daytime)
• Academic qualifications (i.e. GCSE’s/O-levels, A-levels, Diplomas, Degree etc)
• Take regular reviews to this schedule. This allows you to prioritise and become up to date more effectively.
• Employment history (start with the most recent and work backwards)
• Other major achievements (i.e. charity work, bilingual abilities, or even climbing Mt. Everest)
• Hobbies and Interests.

The structure of your CV depends on the type of job you are applying for. It is necessary to emphasise different sections of your CV for different jobs. It is incorrect to expect to use the same CV for every job you apply for. You should make relevant changes to the information included and the way your CV looks for different job applications. An employer is more likely to notice a CV that is more personalized in regards to the job than one which is too broad.

For Example:

• Jobs that require academic reference appreciate a list of your qualifications and grades.
• Jobs that are less formal usually appreciate a summary of qualifications and any vocational training that may be of relevance.

Structure your CV so that it is concise and to the point. Include information relevant to the job in a succinct manner. Always restrict to a maximum of two sheets of A4. CV’s that are longer than this are usually frowned upon. The interviewers are commonly very busy, they do not have time to read pages and pages of information. Although a long CV may appear to be impressive, unnecessary small talk will simply annoy those who you are attempting to impress.

• The presentation of your CV is immensely important. Use clean white A4 paper. Ensure it is typed with absolutely no spelling mistakes, look over the final piece to guarantee this. Spend time to produce a document that is professional and easy to read. Remember; avoid using elaborate fonts, fancy designs or gimmicks. They will not get you noticed in a professional way.
• Avoid giving the impression that your CV is one of many that you have simply photocopied and handed out. A photocopied CV is the most likely to end up in the trash.

• Always enquire about the appropriate person to send the CV to. If it ends up with the wrong person, it is highly unlikely for it to reach the right one!

Your CV includes personal information; it is a confidential document so avoid faxing is unless it is very urgent and you have specifically been advised to do so. Send it via post, email or if requested, personally deliver it.

• Unless you have been specifically advised not to include a covering letter, include one with your CV. This letter should comprise of an explanation of which vacancy you are applying for, how you heard of this vacancy and an overview of why you should be considered for the post. However, remember not to repeat all the information that is in your CV.

On the other hand, if you are sending a speculative CV, write a short note explaining the type of position you are interested in applying for.

• Remember, you should not get disheartened if the first CV you send out does not produce the results you aspired. Be persistent, follow the advice given and try again!