It is said that you only have 30 seconds to impress a potential employer with your Curriculum Vitae (CV). To give yourself the best chance of securing an interview, you need to make sure your CV works for you.
Your CV is the first document an employer is most likely to see from you when applying for a job, so when you are writing your CV you need to make sure you get the desired attention of your potential employer.
Be honest, confident and avoid trying to make it too fancy and complicated. Remember You only have about 30 seconds to grab the attention - if it is too clever and unreadable it will go in the bin.
Don't try to make jokes and never slag off previous employers.
There are no set rules governing the length of your CV - this will be determined by your career history, education and achievements. If possible try to keep it to one page, but if this looks too cramped then feel free to spread it out over two sheets.
Everyone has a different theory when it comes to CV design. Don't get too bogged down over this, just make sure everything is clearly marked.
Include your career progression, education and achievements prominently so your prospective employer doesn't have to search.
The basic cv format: Start off with your personal details: name, address and contact details clearly listed at the top of the page. Follow this with a profile and or objectives of yourself which should include an outline of your skills, experience and immediate career goals.
Then include your career history - in reverse chronological order over the past 10 years - with brief descriptions of your main duties, responsibilities and achievements. Then education, interests/personal details and references.
Make sure your CV is printed on good quality A4 size paper and never attach extra documents, letters or certificates - save these for your interview. Read, read and re-read your CV, then get it looked over by someone you know, ask a friend or family member to read it as well.
Make sure there are no spelling errors or coffee stains as these will be fatal.
This may sound obvious, but again be truthful. Never try to smudge dates and jobs to hide periods of unemployment. The most basic of checks will expose your deceit and ruin any chance of getting the job.
Follow all instructions on the job advert and tailor your CV to suit. If they want multiple copies of your CV then you should send the requested amount. It is also vital to get it in on time.