Help! I need to write a CV
This is a checklist of the most basic fundaments of a CV.
- Start with full name, contact number and address; indicate if you are a driver
- Use Arial 11 font
- Write a one sentence (two sentences max) profile. This is a statement of what you bring to employment, sometimes called an elevator pitch, and should include your employability skills. Employability skills are universal qualities that you have and all employers look for: you are a team player, enthusiastic, flexible, hard working, punctual, adaptable, positive etc. The profile could also reference your job title and relevant qualification. Eg “Vanessa is diligent and enthusiastic AAT qualified practice accountant.”
- Employment History. In this section list your jobs covering the last 10 years starting with most recent employment. Essentials to include: employment dates, name of company, job title, reason for leaving, plus anything relevant to job applied for, which could be an important machine or system use: eg “daily use of Navision”, “CNC turning”, “intermediate Excel”, “proficient in stocking systems.”
- Education and qualifications: dates, institutions, grades/classifications
- Hobbies – not essential, but if these help to demonstrate your natural zest of life then it could help your application.
- Finally, the CV need not and should not be lengthy. One page of A4 is a useful guide in terms of length. A CV should never exceed two sides (the golden rule!)
