|
Format:
When compiling your CV, it is generally accepted that it should be no longer than two sides of A4 paper. The font you use should be easy to read, clear and large enough to be legible (no smaller than point size 8!).
Remember also that your CV is your own personal advert - you are selling yourself as a marketable commodity. Therefore you need to tailor it specifically to the person that you are going to send it to. If you're applying for a job in sales, stress your sales expertise, but if you want to work in a fast-track management position, stress your experience in leading and motivating people and teams. Consequently, it is vital that you enclose a covering letter.
Don’t forget to indicate any hours/days that you can’t work and any that particularly suit you to ensure you get the most relevant part time job for you.
Your CV should consist of the following sections:
Name:
If you have more than one first name, underline the one that you refer to yourself as: i.e. John Charles Smith. And if you have a name like Lesley or Hilary - put Mr or Miss before the name!
Personal details:
Address
Contact details: e-mail, home number and mobile number
Profile and objective:
This is where you get to sell yourself and tell the reader all about you!
Let them know what position you are interested in applying for - use plenty of positive words - dynamic, self-motivated, analytical, enthusiastic, determined, flexible, conscientious, keen - remember, this is what is going to differentiate you from the other people applying.
Skills:
What are your key skillsets?
Bullet point your skills - for example:
- 40 words per minute typing speed
- Excellent spoken French
- Proficient use of the Internet
- Good presentation skills
Remember to keep it relevant. If you're applying for a job to be an engineer it is unlikely to matter how fast you can type! And keep focused on the business side - a good golf handicap is NOT a key skill and your CV writing should reflect this.
Education:
In reverse order, detail your academic qualifications including details of the subjects you have studied and the grades you've received/expect to receive. Include here also any studying abroad that you may have done. Also consider detailing your secondary education down to your GCSEs or equivalent. If they're not wholly impressive, leave them out, but DO include your A-level (or equivalent) results as these are likely to be more relevant.
Employment history:
Again, in reverse order, list your previous employers and your job description and include details of any time unaccounted for. Don't worry about your reasons for leaving the jobs, that can be covered, if necessary, at interview stage.
Achievements and interests:
Bullet-point these if you can, for example:
- Secretary of the real-ale society
- Captain of rugby team
- Chapel choir soprano
- Keen chess player
- Scuba diving, Golfing, Walking, Reading, French food, In-Line Skating
(It's probably best not to include references to excessive drinking, clubbing, smoking and philandering when CV writing!!).
Covering letter:
A covering letter should always accompany your CV and should, in more detail, outline why you want the job, and more specifically, what you can offer to the prospective employer in terms of enthusiasm, skills and experience. Don't waffle on too much - two or three clear paragraphs should be enough.
Don't forget to include a reference number if appropriate and address it to the correct person. Try not to write - "to whom it may concern, dear sir or madam", find out who will receive your letter. Even phone the company to whom you're applying to find out who deals with recruitment.
Remember - you are competing with many people with similar skills sets for the same role. Some companies completely rule out CVs with spelling mistakes and just don't read them, so obviously make sure you have checked and rechecked your spelling – all word processing software includes a spell-checker so there is really no excuse!
Good Luck!
|
