How to write a great CV

If you are looking for a job, it's very important that you understand how to offer yourself in the best way to an employer. This is done by writing a 'CV' (curriculum vitae - Latin for 'life story').

A CV is quite simply an 'advert' to sell yourself to an employer. The purpose of your CV is to make you attractive, interesting, worth considering to the company and so receive a job interview.

Before you start, sit down with a piece of paper. Look at the job(s) that you are applying for. Consider how your skills, education, and experience compare with the skills that the job requires.

What to include.

Personal details

Name, home address, phone number, email address.

Education

Give places of education where you have studied - most recent education first. Include subject options taken in each year of your course. Include any special project, thesis, or dissertation work.

Work Experience

List your most recent experience first. Give the name of your employer, job title, and very important, what you actually did and achieved in that job. Part-time work should be included.

Interests

They will be particularly interested in activities where you have leadership or responsibility, or which involve you in relating to others in a team.

Skills

Ability in other languages, computing experience, or possession of a driving licence should be included.

Length

Maybe all you need to say will fit onto one sheet of A4. But do not crowd it - you will probably need two sheets. Do not normally go longer than this. Put page numbers at the bottom of the pages - a little detail that may impress.