Pay attention to your CV

Whenever anyone approaches me and asks for advice about CV's, my response can be summed up in three words:

• Relevancy
• Simplicity
• Professionalism

It's simple - whatever job you are applying for, a good CV can really give you that edge. Remember, your CV is your opportunity to sell yourself. You've got to try to make you an attractive proposition for potential employers and really market yourself well.

Compiling a CV: Part 1

The first piece of information to include on your CV is your name and all relevant contact information. Remember, professionalism! This means avoid inappropriate titles and be particularly wary of the email you place on your CV. It is advisable to setup an email account that is your name (e.g. davejones@btinternet.com), rather than one that you may have setup for personal use.

Compiling a CV: Part 2

The next aspect for you to consider is your profile. Your profile is in essence a summary of the CV as a whole and this requires you to give your potential employer a general insight. It is imperative that you do this concisely - you shouldn't look to be writing any more than four/five sentences.

Compiling a CV: Part 3

Following your profile is education. This is relatively self-explanatory and you will need to include the following information:

• Where you studied
• What you studied
• The dates between which you studied (e.g. 25th June 2009 - 25th August 2009)

Compiling a CV: Part 4

Next up is experience. Again, this is relatively self-explanatory and the key elements to this are:

• Name of company
• Position in company
• The dates between which you worked

Compiling a CV: Part 5

This is your opportunity to showcase your skills. This is where you inform your potential employer of skills relevant to the job - e.g. if you are involved in IT, list all skills you have relevant to the position that make you suitable for the vacancy. It also important to note here is the place to include other important qualities such as "motivator" or "good leader". Anything that will give you an edge - include it!

Compiling a CV: Part 6

References, in short. The best way to approach this part of the CV is to simply inform the potential employer that 'References can be provided upon request' (o.w.t.t.e).

Finally, key tips:

• Font - black, Times New Roman, size 12
• Underline subtitles
  
• Use spell checker
• Consistent spacing between sections (i.e. one line of clear space between sections)
• Aim for two pages

Remember, relevancy, simplicity and professionalism!