Writing a CV

columns-template_0002_99231540-contentA good CV can be your first step to getting a foot in the door and securing an interview for your ideal job. Competition remains high, therefore it is vital that you spend time preparing a good CV.

You may be perfect for the job but unless you can persuade them of that on paper, you are never going to get the chance to prove it to them in person

The following guidelines on how to present your CV should ensure that you maximise its potential.

Personal details

Name, address, phone number, email. Your name should always head the CV.

Contact details should be listed including home address, home telephone number, mobile number and email address. Make sure that your email address sounds professional

It can also be useful to show any social media presence as many jobs expect you to have an understanding of social media

Nationality and Visa Status (if relevant) should also be provided.

There is no legal requirement to provide your Date of Birth, however this is a matter of personal choice.

There is no need to mention your sex, religious beliefs or marital status.

Personal profile

This section should give a brief overview of your key skills and attributes which are relevant to the role you are applying for. It should act as a hook, encouraging the employer to read on.

You can be creative and sell yourself and your qualities, making sure of course they are relevant for the job you are applying for.  This is the section that can often stand you out from the crowd.

Be honest and factual. Do not make claims that you cannot substantiate.

Education

All qualifications should be listed here including school, college, university and any work related training.

These should be listed in reverse chronological order with the most recent qualification first.

You should list the dates of study (year only), name of awarding institute and qualification obtained.

Career history

Starting with your most recent job first. Include details of dates, job title and role / responsibilities, including any achievements you have reached.

You should provide dates of employment (months and years), employers name and your job title(s) with a brief outline of your duties and responsibilities.

Specific projects worked on can be noted although you should always try to quantify these in terms of size / cost. Make sure you highlight your experience which is relevant to the role you are applying for.

Use bullet points for maximum effect.

Be honest and factual. Do not make claims that you cannot substantiate.

It is best not to list reasons for leaving employers on your CV. This is usually covered at interview stage.

Any gaps in employment should always be given an explanation.

Project history

We believe that your project history is probably your strongest selling point on your CV as it gives a practical appreciation of what you have accomplished and the sort of work you have completed from a technical stand point. Focus on the value of the project, scope of works, and your role on the project and how long you were involved for. Additional info could include the contract type, client, and other consultants/partners.

Skills

Highlight details of any technical competencies within your industry sector.

Computer skills / packages should also be listed.

You can also detail any competency in foreign languages.

Driving licence details can be provided if relevant to the role you are applying for.

Professional Memberships

Details of any professional memberships should be listed here

Hobbies and Interests

Make yourself sound interesting, and highlight the skills you have gained. Show off positions of responsibility and where you have worked in a team

A good opportunity to show interests that may be relevant to the employer / position.

Referees

Details of two referees should be provided including their name, position, relation to you and correct contact details. At least one of these should be work related.

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