Your CV is the most essential tool in your job search. There is no ‘correct’ way to writing a CV but we hope these general rules and tips will help you along the way.

CV Structure
Having a well-structured CV that’s well presented and easy to read gives a lasting impression. This is how we recommend you layout your CV.

1. The first section of your CV should contain your personal details, your home address and contact details including email address and a phone number. Follow this with a brief personal statement summarising your skills, experience, personal attributes and strengths that you will bring to the specific role.

2. Then highlight your employment history, presented in reverse chronological order i.e. most recent or current job first. If you have only worked for one company, break it down with an entry for each position or the projects you dealt with. For each position held, briefly describe your responsibilities and the work undertaken. Try to include achievements and quantify them in sales, financial, production or impact terms.

Each professional position that you’ve had must include at least one statement of accomplishment otherwise it can look like a job description rather than a tool to sell yourself.

3. Next, include your qualifications and then list your hobbies and interests in no more than three lines. Any voluntary or charity work or external posts you hold are worth including. Always include the languages you speak, courses or training you may have done, or any professional memberships.

4. Finally, it is recommended that you give two references, including the referees’ official titles, addresses and telephone numbers.

Additional CV Tips
• If you are replying to a specific job advertisement, review what key words are used in the advertisement and ensure that any that apply to you are included in your CV.
• Include enough information to stimulate interest but not so much to bore the reader.
• Write small digestible pieces of information as then you stand a better chance of having your CV read.
• Try to keep your CV to a maximum of three pages but two pages is best.
• Keep it brief and ensure that the content is relevant to the job that you are applying for.
• Remember that self-opinion is best avoided.
• Aim to include factual information or objective evidence and remember to focus on the benefits of your achievements.
• Always get someone else to check your spelling and grammar.
• Avoid coloured paper or fancy fonts. If you plan to fax or email your CV, you’ll get a much better result with clean fonts and a simple layout.