Writing a CV/Résumé

A CV gives you the opportunity to really sell yourself and show what you can bring to the role. Your CV is what secures you an interview, so it pays to create a really strong one.

Do:

• Tailor it to the job that you are applying for in order to make sure it is relevant.
• Keep it to two pages where possible, and check your spelling and grammar two or three times if necessary.
• Keep employment history brief and use bullet points to highlight important details.
• List your employment and education in reverse order, starting with the most recent first.

Don’t:

• Use fancy fonts, WordArt, ClipArt, graphics or photographs as they clutter the pages and look unprofessional.

The format of your CV

We suggest that you use a standard format for your CV:

• Personal details – include contact details, postal address and email address.
• Employment history – give a short overview of your main responsibilities and career progression. If you are applying for your first job, emphasise your training, skills and work experience.
• Educational history and professional qualifications – include the names of institutions and dates attended, grades and passes. You should also include any training and computer skills that you may have.
• Hobbies and interests – put these last and keep them brief.
• References – list two, or state ‘available on request’.