CV Advice
Why do you need a CV?
The purpose of a CV is to give a potential employer your brief history to allow them to assess your suitability for positions available. CV’s are used in the initial screening process when selecting a short list of candidates. As such it is important that your CV is clear, precise and to the point as well as talking honestly about your ability and experiences throughout your working life.
It is important that your CV grabs the attention of the reader and highlights your relevant skills and experience in an easy to read and understandable format.
Information to include
If you are applying for a particular position you have seen advertised ensure you have read the advertisement carefully and fully understand what it is the employer is looking for. This will enable you to highlight in your CV the skills and abilities you have that directly relate to the position available.
Many CV’s when describing about past and present job content describe only the main job duties and responsibilities. It is useful to also explain about the skills required to perform those duties and any specific achievements such as increased profit, new business won, reduced costs resulting from your efforts. Remember to sell your skills, not just your job title.
When talking about your responsibilities and achievements it is relevant to include actual data such as the numerical value of the budget you had control of or the number of people you had reporting to you. This is also key when describing your achievements as it helps create a picture of the potential value you can bring to a company.
Download this template and create your powerful CV today template CV.doc
Important Points
Your CV should be neat and easy to follow with relevant and correct contact details.
Be concise, no longer than 3 pages long and only to talk briefly about job roles and achievements, as you will have a chance to expand on these once through to the interview stage.
