Writing a CV can be very
tricky, whether that’s because you have too much to say or not enough to say. Those one
or two pages could be the key to your success, earning you your dream job or
the income you are desperate for. Just remember, the last thing you want to do
is bore your (hopefully) future employer- you need to grab their attention!
The key information that all employers need from you include:
- Your contact details
- Education/qualifications
- Any work experience
- Your Interests
- Two referees
CVs are very different to
personal statements. Here are a couple of important differences:
- CVs have headings, breaking it up into sections, making it easy and quick to read
- CVs are written in list
form, unlike personal statements which usually have relatively large
paragraphs.
However, before starting,
or perhaps editing, your CV, bear in mind the job you are applying for. Make a
list of the key skills required for that particular job and remember to include
them in your CV. This tells the employer that you are the person they are
looking for. It also shows that you are well aware of the skills required for the job you're applying for.
Also, any other information, that
you think is relevant, may be included under additional headings e.g. skills,
charity work etc. This helps provide a personal touch to your CV, ensuring the employer gets a better idea about your life and whether or not you're right for the job.
Finally, the presentation
of your CV speaks volumes. This includes everything from the quality of paper
used to font size. For this reason make sure you weigh up the pros and cons of
any designs or layouts that you chose to use.