Tips: CV Writing
Plan it:
Assemble the facts and list all the information you need to include in your CV:
- Personal details that will tell us a little about who you are.
- Up to date contact details on how to reach you.
- A chronological list of your qualifications.
- The responsibilities of each of your previous roles.
- Notable achievements you enjoyed at each of your employers.
This information will form the basis of your CV.
Write it:
Now you must write up this information in a way that sells you and your background to potential employers.
Try to tailor your Curriculum Vitae to your ideal next step, whether a particular job/specialism or organisation/sector.
- Write in a professional and commercially aware style.
- Demonstrate how you could benefit a prospective employer.
- Focus on your strengths.
- Don’t leave any unexplained gaps – if you have travelled or been out of work, say so.
- Work in reverse chronological order, i.e. list your most recent role first.
- Ensure sentences are no longer than about 15 words.
- Create an impact with appropriate action words e.g. successfully achieved…, energetically lead…
Stylise it:
Now that you have the content of your CV, you now need to focus on the layout, to ensure it creates a favourable visual impression.
Here are our rules of CV style:
- Word-process your CV, e.g. using Microsoft Word.
- Keep to two pages maximum certainly no more than four.
- Employ an A4 portrait style.
- Stick to a white background, and don’t include any decorative borders.
- Choose a black font and a simple typeface – use this style consistently.
- Highlight headings using italics or bold; avoid capitals and underlining.
- Keep paragraphs under five lines long. Use bullet points sparingly instead.
- Stay reader friendly by using lots of ‘white space’.
- Use good quality white/cream paper when printing your CV. Avoid special effects such as binding.
Proof read it:
You should now have created your own CV. It will read well, look great and be the ultimate sales tool to represent you.