CV Advice

A CV is often the first opportunity for a potential employer to assess how you present yourself. A poorly written CV, no matter how relevant the content, will probably create a negative impression.

Please find below, tips to help you make that all-important first impression a positive one.

• One page is too short, four is maximum - two or three pages are optimum
• Ensure you supply all your contact details, summary of education, qualifications, including degree and grade as well as relevant training courses attended
• Your skills summary should go on the first page, followed by your current or last job. You should always list employers in reverse chronological order
• Describe each employer briefly by outlining their industry or market
• Give your job title, a brief description of what you do and your responsibilities and summarise your key achievements i.e. management responsibilities (number of staff), cost savings for the company, length of projects etc
• If you have an unusual job title, then please give a generic description of what you do
• Future employers do not need as much detail about what you did 5 years ago, even less about what you did 10 years ago, a single sentence may suffice
• Do not include too many hobbies or interests
• Before submitting your CV check it thoroughly for errors, not just for spelling and grammar, but also to make sure it is a clear representation of you and your skills