CV - Tips
What is a CV?
It is a selective "snapshot" of who you are. It is an outline and not an autobiography. It is crucial that you design your CV yourself.
What is the purpose of a CV?
To give the reader an accurate overview of you.
What Information should you have?
It will require you thinking through your skills, abilities, experience and achievements. It is important to remember that your CV should act as a 'tickler'. It must contain enough information for the potential employer to make a preliminary assessment of your suitability to the position and, more importantly, it must motivate the reader to interview you and find out more about your experiences, achievements and potential.
Do‘s and Don‘ts
•Your CV must be an accurate reflection of
you.
•Keep it short. Only highly specialised or senior individuals
with a long complex background should have long CVs.
•CVs can range from structured and conservative, usually in a
chronological format (most recent first), to the more informal and less
structured.
•Your CV does not need to be specific to each job for which you
are applying. A covering letter should fill that role.
•We recommend not to include personal or family photos.
There is no one right way to prepare a CV, but remember it must reflect
you. The purpose of this document is to convince the decision makers of the
need to see you in person.
Time and care should be taken in preparing and presenting this marketing
document of yourself.
Both functional and chronological CVs will contain similar information: Personal details, education, qualifications, relevant training, and professional affiliation memberships. Training is a recognised need today, so worth noting under group headings, but do not go back too far historically. Irrelevant information, salary past or present, or why you want to change employment can be discussed at interview stage.
Human Rights Act
You do not have to supply, and may wish to leave out, details such as gender, marital status, dependents, date of birth, religious and racial origin.