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Writing a Curriculum Vitae (CV)

The type of information that should be included in a CV is:

Personal Details:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Telephone numbers (including daytime number and mobile number)
  • Date of birth

Education:
Put in order of most recent first -

  • Dates when at school and/or college (start year and end year)
  • Name of schools and/or colleges attended
  • Qualifications achieved
  • Put in order of most recent first

Work Experience:
Start with your most recent or present job, giving -

  • Dates
  • Names and addresses of companies
  • Brief account of your responsibilities

Hobbies & Interests:
Give examples of interests and hobbies placing particular emphasis on those that may be relevant to the job. For example, public speaking or voluntary work in the field you are hoping to enter.

Do not lie or put down as a hobby something you vaguely had an interest in ten years ago, you never know it may be something that the interviewer is passionate about and could be your downfall.

Additional Information:
Provide any other information that may support your application. For example -

  • A full clean driving licence
  • IT knowledge (include the names of the packages that you have used) 
  • Ability to speak another language

References:
It is normal to include two references, your most recent or present employer and one other. This can be a teacher or another employer. Make sure you ask permission from the referee before putting their names down.

Presentation
Presentation is very important. Employers can get hundreds of applications for each job and untidy or tatty CV's are easy to throw out. Only hand write CVs if you have very neat handwriting if possible word process your CV. If you do not have access to a PC or are unable to print it out, your local library has PCs that you can use.

Covering Letter
Always include a covering letter with your CV. You should use the covering letter to tailor your application to the company you are applying to include skills and experience that are important to the job that you are applying for. Always finish your letter in a positive way and invite the employer to contact you for an interview.

Positive statements
Keep all your statements positive. Don't add anything into your CV that signals a failure.

Length
Try to keep your CV to one page and an absolute maximum of two A4 sheets.

Spelling and Grammar
Ask someone to proof read your CV for you. If using a word processor use the spell checker and the grammar checker.

Try not to leave gaps
Try not to leave gaps in time that you cannot account for. If it is unavoidable be prepared to explain to an employer the reason for the gap in time.

Keep it up to date
Keep your CV up to date. When applying for a position don't just send out a CV you've had saved on your PC for 6 months or copies that you have, remember to add any recent achievements, such as training you may have received.