Creating a CV
People tend not to like writing about themselves. Some feel a bit odd at having to boast about themselves, while others go the other way and are tempted to oversell themselves, running the risk of getting caught out at a future date. The following key areas should help you on your way.
Presentation
- Use good quality white paper with a plain type face
- Avoid italics and decorative fonts, and don't add an ornate border – you want to be noticed for what you say, not how you present it
- Try to keep your CV to no more than two pages (stapled together, rather than bound or placed in a wallet)
Structure
- Put your name right at the top of the front page, with your contact details directly underneath. Only include your work number if you don't mind being contacted there
- Have a clear structure that's easy to understand and read. Your aim is to present facts about yourself concisely and with clarity
- Use bullet points rather than complete sentences, which can sometimes lead to unnecessary wordiness
- Your educational history, academic achievements and work experience should be listed in reverse order – university degree should come before your school exam results
- Never leave gaps. If you took a year out, or carried out interim assignments, say so – otherwise, employers can suspect the worst . Leave nothing to chance
- Leave your hobbies and interests until last – and keep this section short
Double-check and proofread
- Check your CV carefully – always run a spell check over it carefully and re-read to ensure accuracy; ask a friend to check it too
- Send it off in a good quality, clearly addressed, A4 envelope and post it first class (this indicates efficiency)
- Your CV is the first impression your potential employer will have of you
- Take the time to get it right – you may not have a second chance
