Tips on getting your CV to the top of the pile
 

Covering Letter

Always include a covering letter with your CV. It should be well presented, clearly structured and concise. The letter should refer to the vacancy you are applying for and can be used as an opportunity to highlight things that you were prevented from including in your CV, such as the vacancy in question, its requirements and why you are the person for the job.

Constructing a good CV

Presentation is everything!

• Use one typeface only
• Use upper and lower case letters, NOT capitals
• Make sure your headings are consistent in size and style
• Set and keep to your margins
• Use bullet points in the job descriptions – this will make your text clearer and easier to read
• Use white paper and black print
• Try and keep your CV to a maximum of 2-3 pages.
  Your CV should include:
• Personal and contact details (name, address, phone numbers, email address)
• Personal Profile – a brief summary of your strengths and what qualities you will bring to a new job. Ideally this should be less than 50 words. Examples – hard working, conscientious, dynamic, personable, enthusiastic, competent, adaptable etc. Please ensure you know what the word means as the employer may ask you!
• Employment History.
  - Start with your most recent employment and work backwards. Give brief descriptions of each job including responsibilities and achievements. Don't lie or over elaborate - you'll soon be found out.
  - Don’t have any gaps in your employment dates. If you have taken a career break (e.g. travelling or to raise a family), please include this within the history.
  - If you have a number of years experience, we would recommend that you detail the last 10 years and add the rest in list form to keep it brief.
• Education, Qualifications & Training. List your qualifications and training concisely. If your further education is recent you may want to add a brief list of subjects covered if this is not obvious for the role you are applying for.
• References. Provide two references with telephone numbers; Ideally, one should be your present or most recent employer.

Remember you're applying for a job - not telling your life story!