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CV's are called a variety of things (eg, curriculum vitae, resume).
There is no universally accepted format.
The most important attribute of a successful CV is that it clearly explains to the reader what it is that you can do for them.
Your CV should be:
• A well-presented, selling document
• A source of interesting, relevant information
• A script for talking about yourself.
The purpose of your CV is not to get you the job. Its purpose is to get you an interview, and after your meeting to remind the person you met with about you.
Remember: you are not writing a CV for yourself, you are writing it for the reader. So, as you write your CV, put yourself in the shoes of the intended reader.
The decision to recruit is like a buying decision on the part of an employer.
This creates a very clear picture of what a CV must include:
1. It must meet the needs of the target organisation where possible. This means a single generalist CV is unlikely to be sufficient.
2. It must highlight your achievements and how they relate to the job you are applying for. It must give the reader a clear indication of why you should be considered for this role.
The importance of your CV in the job hunting process cannot be understated, and much attention must be applied to its preparation.
Some of the points that you must consider are included below
Do tell the truth - Inaccurate information can be easily uncovered at interview stage and this will kill your chances of being selected for any subsequent stages or the job itself.
Do have your CV typed or word processed and ensure that reproduction is of high a quality as possible.
Do have a simple and conventional layout -in most cases, complex or highly stylised layouts will distract the reader from the information you are trying to present.
Do keep information concise, factual and accurate.
Do use your date of birth but not your age.
Do use 'action' wordswhere possible, describing positive achievements and contributions.
Do include a cover letter (except the employer specifically states it is not needed)
Do attempt to seek professional opinions and advice where possible, as any assistance you can get can only serve your purposes positively.
Do customise your CV to suit the job that you are applying for.
Do apply as soon as you become aware of the position -getting in early never hurts and indicates an incisive approach to the recruiter.
The Don'ts
Don't date your CV - The current nature of the document will be indicated well enough by the dates of your employment and qualifications.
Don't exceed three pages, or keep it to two if possible - An interviewer must review a large number of CV's and concisely presented information will be easier and quicker to digest.
Don't mention salaries earned or required - this can indicate inflexibility.
Don't include information regarding political and religious affiliationsunless these facts have a direct bearing upon the application.
Don't include a photograph (unless the employer specifically requests for it) - In most cases, your stunning good looks will not be an issue for selection.
Don't give reasons for leaving previous positions - if an interviewer wants to know, they will ask.
Don't take a negative tone when writing about a previous employer or role - Keep it positive, as venom or pessimism is a put-off for recruiters.
Don't put letters after your name -This indicates a "lofty" demeanor, and besides, there will be plenty of space to highlight your qualifications in subsequent sections and at interview stage.
Further tips on CV preparation
The most common contents of a CV includes:
Personal Details
Skills and Career Summary
Key Achievements
Qualifications
Career History
Don't forget: The ultimate test of YOUR CV is whether it meets the needs of the person making the buying decision, and whether YOU feel comfortable with its content and style.
When you submit a printed CV to a recruiter or a potential employer, it is likely to be the first thing they get to see or read of yours. Therefore, you need to present your CV well and make it user friendly. For example:
Use a good quality paper, typically 100gsm in weight and watermarked. In most cases, be conservative and print your CV in black ink on white paper. Covering letters should use identical stationery.
Lay your CV out neatly
Don't make the margins too deep or too narrow
Resist writing lengthy paragraphs - be concise
Careful use of bold type can be effective
Typefaces such as Times New Roman or Arial are fairly standard
Do not use a type size less than 11pt.
Check for spelling or typographical errors - whoever actually types your CV, errors are YOUR responsibility. Don't rely on a spell checker. If you're not sure about a word, resort to a dictionary. Sloppiness and lack of care could be heavily penalised.
Key Skills/Competencies/Attributes:
Summarise the things about you that are relevant to this role. You can present the information as a list of achievements, a summary of skills, or a list of key competencies. Give as much evidence as you can to suggest that you are suited to the career that you are pursuing.
Don't date your CV - The current nature of the document will be indicated well enough by the dates of your employment and qualifications.