Creating Your CV
Your CV is the only marketing tool you have available to you, therefore, ensure that all information is correct and complete.
Your CV is the first introduction you have to a prospective employer. It is the only document they use to make their first judgement about you - make certain that the information you give ensures those judgements will be positive ones!
- Companies these days prefer resumes submitted electronically, so create your resume in a common programme such as Word so it can be opened and read by recipients easily.
- First page - should contain your personal details, your name, address, telephone numbers and email address. An overview statement should be included covering your strengths and relevant area, skills and experience and the type of position sought.
- Pages two/three - You should highlight your employment history. List your work experience in chronological order, beginning with the most recent position. Including employer names, positions held and primary responsibilities. Also where appropriate include an indication of salary level achieved and reasons for leaving each position.
- DO NOT LEAVE GAPS IN YOUR CV. If you took a year out, carried out an interim assignment, or travelled for six months, say so. If you do include gaps, potential employers can suspect the worst. Stating the years, rather than the months you started or finished a role can also send off alarm bells. 2005 - 2006 could be interpreted as employment from January, 2005 to December 2006 when in reality it may have been December 2005 to January 2006.
- Take care with layout. There is nothing worse than reading a CV where you have to search for the information amongst too much script.
- DO NOT FORGET TO SPELL CHECK YOUR CV better still, get someone to proof read it for you!!! You will not get a second change to make a first impression.
- If emailing your CV to a potential client, send it as an attachment rather than posting your CV onto the email.