Your CV is very important and you should take time and care when you prepare it. It may be the difference between being put on top of the pile instead of buried at the bottom.
Essentials of a good CV
- Two to three typed pages is enough
- Keep it clear, concise and positive, using bullet points and short sentences
- Use a clear font and layout
- Make sure each page is numbered and has your name on it
- Have different versions of your CV prepared for varying roles
- Proof it!! Then get someone else to check it!
- When emailing, –
- Be careful with the use of graphics and colour – it can cause downloading and printing problems
- Make sure your CV document is virus free.
The CV lists your:
- Personal details. Name, address and contact details and, where appropriate, visa status including expiry date
- Career objective. Give a brief outline of the type of role you are looking for (optional)
- Key business skills. Four or five short sentences summing up your key competencies and experience
- Personal attributes. Four or five statements about your main strengths
- Educational history. The name of your secondary school, dates and if appropriate, qualifications obtained, and the name and dates of tertiary institutions attended along with details of qualifications and dates attended
- Training courses. Names of courses, duration, course provider and dates
- Professional memberships. Names of associations and date joined
- Skills. List all recent computer packages and equipment used, typing speed and other skills
- Other activities/interests. Tell the truth! Don't pretend you are fascinated with reading and then be unable to name the last book you read!
- Work history. List all your jobs, with the current or most recent first – include both the month and year (for example, December 2005 – February 2007)
- If you have held more than one position with an employer, give a breakdown of dates along with the various roles and responsibilities
- Explain briefly any gaps in employment
- Referees. Ideally you should provide at least two work related referees, preferably direct managers. Ask the referees first. Attach copies of any written references.
Covering letters
- State your interest in the job, highlighting the position title
- How you heard of it – newspaper, website or referral from a colleague
- Highlight at least one reason why your experience is relevant
- If you have only limited experience for the role, expand on other areas of your expertise that will be relevant
- Check that the name and details of the employer/agency are correct.
CV template
If you would like to download a suggested CV layout as a Word document
click here (36K)
