Tips for Your CV

Tips for Writing Your CV
Your CV is your business card, and a tool you use to present yourself to the job market. It is the first impression you give your potential employer. As such, your CV is often used by employers as the first stage of screening. For this reason, it is important to write an effective CV.
6 Steps for Writing an Effective CV
1.

Personal Details – this section should be very short (up to 3 lines) and include your full name, phone number and email address. Check that your contact details are correct so that the employer will be able to reach you.

2.

Employment Experience – list the professional roles you have filled in chronological order from most recent to least recent. You do not need to cover all roles you have ever filled, especially if your early jobs are not relevant for the role you are currently applying for. Use your judgment, but be careful not to leave gaps in your history.

3.

Education – specify your education in chronological order from your highest- level degree to your lowest. Specify the years during which you studied, the name of the institution and the degree / certificate.

4.

Languages – Proficiency in foreign languages is an advantage. You should high light them clearly on your CV.

5.

Summary – keep it short and matter-of-fact. Summarize your relevant professional experience and emphasize the added value you have to offer to the position, and to the organization you want to join.

6.

Computer Skills – Today’s roles require the ability to work with a computer at various levels. Knowledge and ability with specific computer skills that are required for the role at hand will provide you with an advantage, so highlight them.

Format, Length and Style

It is important to note that there is no single “correct format” for a CV. Your CV can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, the effectiveness of the CV will depend on the relevancy of the information included. Employers have indicated that non-relevant information in a CV may hurt a candidate’s chances of being invited for an interview.

Information that is non-relevant can include hobbies, or positions held in the distant past that are not relevant to the job. However, volunteering and community service activities are relevant and should be included. There is a growing awareness in organizations today about the importance of these areas.

Focus your CV on the skills and specific experience that will highlight your suitability for the role at hand. If relevant, you should indicate your willingness to comply with the employer’s requirements such as relocation. You should also note if you can provide recommendations from former employers.

The design of your CV is important as well. Write your CV in a professional style, and not as a story. Keep the CV to a single page, and ensure that there are no spelling mistakes. If you must go over a single page, ensure that all of the key details are summarized on the first page.

Keep it Simple and Organized
  • Use a consistent and readable font (e.g. Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri)
  • Keep CV sections short with each paragraph on a separate row.
  • Dress respectfully, yet comfortably.
  • Avoid fancy formatting. List each role in a separate paragraph, and highlight com pany names, job titles and employment periods.