SEARCH

Enter a keyword in the box below to search the website text or vacancies, select type from the drop down:

	What do you think of our new site?
	Poor Good Very Good Excellent

The Perfect CV

The perfect CV format

Accuracy – This is vital. Particularly when recalling dates, qualifications, work duties and targets.
Brief – A CV should be a thumbnail profile, not a blockbuster epic. No longer than two/three pages it should contain just enough information to secure the interview. Employers want a brief overview of your education, qualifications, employment history, professional skills and interests. Its function is to guide the conversation and not to replace it.
Corrections – Double check for dates, spelling and grammar.
Detail – The experience and skills that you list should be directly relevant to the job.
Features – Be sure to mention any outstanding achievements you may have been recognised for.
Gaps in employment – If you do have career gaps, state positive reasons for them, such as travel, a full time course or maternity leave.
Keep it concise – A CV should be short and simple.
Dishonesty – Lying is not worth it. Write only what you can back up. They will eventually catch you up.
Marketing – You are using your CV to market your skills, personality, background and knowledge. Learn to do it effectively.
Structure – Organise your CV in a particular style and maintain. The presentation needs to be consistent. Remember to keep it simple.
Quality – Make sure your CV is easy to read, structured and to the point. Use quality paper if sending via post.
Recent and up to date skills – Skills and new knowledge acquired need to take priority. Most employers don’t want to know what you did ten years ago, especially if it is irrelevant to the post.
Tailor – Individualise your CV for each post. Make sure you understand and know the key skills of the post. Highlight and present the relevant skills. Relate your skills to the particular job requirements.
Update – Review and update your CV on a regular basis, including new skills, qualifications and achievements.
Summary – Consider your most important activities and responsibilities and then summarise them briefly. You cannot and should not include everything as it will read like an essay.
Zest – Remember the employer will be reading dozens of other CV’s and it is important to make yours different. Express an eager and enthusiastic nature through the structure and wording of your CV.