CV AND INTERVIEW ADVICE

How to write your CV

Your CV is your “sales pitch” and is the first impression that you'll make on a potential employer.

It is worth remembering that each recruiter’s idea of an 'ideal' CV will be slightly different. Indeed a strong CV can occasionally itself secure you a job, especially if you are applying for temporary work. At worst, a poorly constructed CV can give a potential employer a negative impression of you as a candidate and stop you from securing that all important interview.
Taking a little time on design, construction, wording and using the following guidelines to write and submit your CV, will ensure you promote yourself to your best advantage.

• Your CV should be laser-printed in black ink using a plain type face, on good quality A4 white/cream paper.

• Decorative borders are not necessary, nor are photographs of you.

• If applying by post, your CV and cover letter should be submitted in a suitable quality envelope, and clearly addressed. If applying by email, time should be taken designing and formatting to ensure your details read clearly.

• Your CV should ideally cover no more than two pages and never more than three. Aim to ensure the content is clear, structured, concise and relevant. Using bullet points rather than full sentences can help minimise word usage.

• A basic CV may need tailoring with each job application to best suit the requirements of the role applied for.

Next: CV Structure