Do's and don'ts when writing a CV

Do's

• Use positive language.
• Emphasise your achievements, not on your responsibilities.
• Make your most relevant experience and skills prominent to encourage the employer.
• Keep to the point and concentrate on the quality of your achievements not the quantity.
• List skills that could raise you above the competition such as languages and driving license.
• Keep your CV to a maximum of 2-3 pages.
• Check carefully for correct spelling and grammar. Spotting errors is a quick and easy way for you not to be chosen.
• Get a second opinion.
• Include examples of your work, if appropriate.

Don'ts

• Leave any gaps in your work record-employers may assume the worst.that you got sacked
• Lie-most employers can check CV details for accuracy, including educational qualification study and the veracity of job references
• Include a photo of yourself unless you know the employer wants one.
• Forget it's just a tool for getting you an interview. The CV will not land you the job, but it will help you with the first few steps.
• Tell a client you want a particular type of job when infact you are applying for something totally different.

What to put in your CV

Personal details

Name, address, telephone numbers and email addresses are important. You could also include your nationality, your date of birth and so on.

Education

List brief details on qualifications: GCSE's, A-levels, degree. As you get older experience is more valuable than grades as you have a proven track record.

Work Experience

List the most recent first, use straightforward, positive language.

Skills

Include specific skills such as IT skills (name packages) or languages.

References

Usually a CV provides the name and contacts of two references. These should be the most recent employers. Alternatively one professional and one character reference is acceptable e.g. a teacher.

Hobbies

Including details of your interests away from the workplace is optional, by adding this you are giving the employer a more detailed picture of your personal qualities.