How to prepare an effective CV
Top CV Tips
- Be neat – Typed out if possible, and to the best standard you can achieve in content and layout
- Be short – Two sides of a sheet of A4 paper is plenty
- Be positive – It should tell the company your achievements, strengths, successes and make a good impression. This means presenting the facts about yourself in a positive way
- Keep it simple – Use a clear font, like Arial or Helvetica and write in plain English to get your message across
What to include in your CV
You should present your CV clearly and keep it simple. You should always include:
Your information
- Your name
- Your address
- Your phone number
- Your email address (if you have one)
- Your career history
A personal profile
- This is a short statement at the beginning of your CV to promote yourself as well as your specific skills, experience and personal qualities.
- Make sure the statement is tailored to fit the requirements of each job that you apply for so that you make it clear to the employer that you’re right for the job.
Key skills
- Include any relevant work experience or anything you have done whilst you have been taking part in your hobbies and interests.
- Promote your good qualities and skills.
Education and qualifications
- Include any qualifications and training from your school or college, or any training you have done in a previous or part-time job. Put the most recent first and include any qualifications that you got from school or college.
References
- It is a good idea to put down two references. The rule is generally to include your most recent employer but if you haven’t been employed previously, you can put your tutor or teacher and a personal referee who is somebody from your community or a friend or relative with a professional status as a character witness.
- Make sure you ask their permission before you include their details.