Preparing Your CV

• Your name should always head a CV template.
• Include your address, phone numbers and e-mail address, if you have one.
• Keep personal information to a minimum.
• Don’t include a summary of personal characteristics.

Employers like to see details of all qualifications, including school leaving and professional, and degrees. Do not include every subject studied. NB: You are not required to date these entries.

• Outline any work-related training – but only if it’s relevant.
• Include knowledge of any foreign languages.
• Keep personal information to a minimum.
• Don’t include a summary of personal characteristics.

• List past employment details in reverse chronological order, with the most recent first. Always give the most space to your most recent or current position. Names of past employers, dates of appointments (only required to note within past 5 years – employment before than do not require dates), and a brief outline of responsibilities are essential. Some employers also like to see a brief description of the companies and summary of their business.
• Don’t give the telephone number of your current job unless your boss knows that you want to leave. Never provide salary information on your CV. If asked for such information, include it in your cover letter.
• Always include your specific contributions to each job, listing achievements along with the responsibilities each entry.
• List any affiliation to any relevant professional associations.
• Never give reasons for terminating or leaving jobs on your CV. It is easier to discuss this in person.

• Give minimum information about hobbies or interests that are not directly related to the position. Two or three lines are enough.

• Avoid using “references available on request” CV as it is self-evident and clutters up your CV.
• Only include referees on your CV if they can be contacted at any time without prior warning.

• Always print your CV on standard A4 plain white or pale coloured paper with matching envelope.
• Always send a brief customised covering letter with any CV that you send out.
• Presentation is extremely important. Make sure your CV is typed or word processed. Do not have it professionally printed.
• Leave plenty of space between paragraphs and allow for adequate margins.
• Use plain English. Avoid professional jargon.
• Keep paragraphs short – preferably five or six lines at most.
• Your entire CV should not exceed two pages in length – however, if your breadth of experience merits it, you can justify a CV that runs on longer.
• Do not include the date the CV was prepared – it will shorten its useful life.
• Never state specific objectives. They are more effective in your covering letter.
• Proof-read your CV and covering letter for errors. Spelling mistakes will detract from your applications. Ask a friend to check they are free of errors as well.

• Keep an on-going file of your achievements, no matter how insignificant they may appear – one day they’ll make the basis for a good CV.
• Give your referees a copy of your CV.
• Re-read your CV before any interview – chances are the interviewer will too, so you must know what’s in it.
• Quality and presentation are essential – do not send out grubby, crumpled copies.
• If in doubt, leave it out.