C.V. Tips

A Curriculum Vitae is your first step in the door to your next employer. It should outline all the reasons why a potential employer should interview you.

There are not many organisations today that do not require you to prepare a CV in order to pursue your application and therefore it is likely that you will need to prepare one at some stage of your career. A CV is a very personal document and the way that people perceive your CV will differ, however there are a few golden rules that we recommend you follow:

• Decide what you want to do!  Sounds obvious but it's vital you take the time to decide exactly what you want from you new job.  Give yourself options and ensure you match your relevant skills / education / experience to a new potential position / industry.
• Define your skills!  Sit down, grab yourself a pen and write down all of your key skills before you start work on your CV.  Don't just concentrate on your professional experience, think about all the things that you are good at - organisational skills and creativity

Start to build your CV...

• Try to make your CV no longer than 2 pages. You should ensure that all your contact details, personal statement, skills and qualifications are listed on the front page for quick reference. Your CV should be visually easy to read with factual information.
• Your CV should not be a chronological list of employment nor should it be an autobiography.  The key to getting that all important interview, is to make your CV relevant to the application, try to create a CV that is easily adaptable to amplify your appropriate core skills for the position you are applying for.
• It is extremely important that you read the job specification in detail and ensure that your skills and experience relates to the position and is in clear view for the employer.
• Create some eye candy; make your CV stand out! Don’t go over the top but maybe add some colour, ensure your headings are clear & your presentation is perfect.
• If there are gaps in your employment, make sure you highlight reasons for this such as; world travel, time off to care for children, charity work, education, etc.
• The most important point of all is spelling and grammar! Do not send any CV out without asking a family member or friend to proof read it again and again and again!
• Create an online presence.  More and more agencies and employers are searching online for suitable applicants.  If you don’t have an online presence you may be missing out.  Publish your CV on online sites such as CVlibrary.co.uk, Totaljobs.co.uk, LinkedIn.com, Monster.co.uk and Jobsite.co.uk.