CV Tips

What makes a 'good' CV?

Be brief and to the point, generally no more than 2-3 pages.

• Organise the information into sections- e.g. career objective,  personal statement, summary of expertise, related skill , work history, qualifications etc.
• Use the language you would use in an interview
• Tailor the CV to suit the each job you apply for. Each employer will want evidence of different skills, experience and or qualifications or pre employment qualifications. To help you with your CV preparation, highlight the skills, personal qualities, work experience required by the employer from the job description or advertisement. Ensure that this information is included in your CV and covering letter. 
• Your CV should give all the relevant facts about you, and also should give the reader a sense of what you are like as a person and suggest your potential going forward.
• That is why it is good to summarise your achievements, interests and strengths in your CV.
• Your CV is selling you. It should invite a reader to find out more about you, and be easy for them to cast their eye over and understand.
• Make sure the text is easy to read. Plenty of spaces, wide margins and clear sub-headings make a CV easier for the reader to scan through.
• Have it checked by someone you trust and has an eye for detail and is knowledgeable about CVs. Make an appointment with a Learning Advisor if you would like someone to check your CV.

What do you need to look for?

No spelling mistakes	is everything spelt correctly? Get someone you trust to proofread your CV.
Correct grammar and punctuation	is your grammar and punctuation correct? Poor grammar and punctuation may reflect badly on you so get your CV proofread by someone you trust.
Clear layout	is it easy to read?
Relevance	is the information appropriate for the position?
Clarity	is the information easily found?
Accuracy	is the information accurate and truthful?

What should you include in your CV?

Initially sit down and draft a CV in ‘Word” to provide yourself with a working document. Use the examples provided to decide what you want your CV to look like.
Remember there is no right or wrong way to present your CV. The following headings are most often used in a CV. You may omit some or add others in that are relevant to your circumstances or the position you are applying for.

1. Headings - Necessary and/or optional
2. Name *  
3. Address*
4. Cellphone/Email/Skype*
5. Nationality
6. Date of Birth
7. Drivers licence
8. Personal Statement
9. Career Objective/Work Goal*
10. Summary of expertise
11. Relevant skills*
12. Work History*
13. Qualifications*
14. Additional professional training/Courses Attended
15. Achievements/Highlights*
16. Recreational/Leisure Activities/Hobbies*
17. References*
18. Additional Information

Those marked with an asterisk (*) are the more commonly used headings or information included in a CV. They are however not exclusive, you may use others that reflect your career to date.