Tweet
We are not concerned with standard CV's, those boring grey documents which exude nothing but the lack of imagination of the writer. What we aim for is the 'Killer CV' that goes straight for the jugular and screams out to the reader.
By combining razor sharp content that is clear, concise and instantly accessible with striking layout that adheres to the tried and tested conventions of CV writing, you will be half way to getting the perfect job.
What is a CV and what can it do for you?
If you buy a new stereo you make a point of reading its specification to make sure it can perform all the tasks you want it to do. An employer reads your CV for much the same purpose.
A CV is your personal specification, it documents your abilities, and shows the reader what you are capable of.
Curriculum Vitae is Latin for "course of life"Contact details
Often CV's are kept on file for long periods so any contact details you give have to remain accurate in the long term. A daytime phone number is most important, include your mobile number if you have one. Include an e-mail address, a Hotmail address is good because you will have it for life. If you have your own URL domain name put it down for added class, for example [email protected].
Date of birth and nationality
Employers are not allowed to discriminate, but putting these details down saves them having to ask you. If you are not a citizen of the country in which you are applying special arrangements may have to be made.
Introduction
Write a brief and powerful introduction last thing after you have written everything else. Sum up your key qualities and include your aims. There is no need to head this section as it is self-evident.
Previous employmentQualifications
There is no need to list all of your O-Level/GCSE subjects, simply write something like, 10 GCSE's A-C including Mathematics and English. A-Level and degree qualifications can be listed, the grades do not have to be included. List only the academic centres where a qualification was earned in reverse chronological order with dates.
Hobbies and interests
This give an insight into your personality. Consider carefully what you are putting down and its implications. Team events indicate that you are a team player, other activities such as Scouting, CCF, Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme show commitment and the fact you are not adverse to a challenge. If you like reading say whom you favourite author is.
Keep this section very brief, do not list ALL of your interests and hobbies.You do not want to give the employer the impression you would rather be doing your hobbies, or travelling around the world than doing the job you are being considered for.
References
Unless you have a reference that you are particularly proud of, for example a letter written by Richard Branson saying that you are the 'bees knees', then it is advisable not to include references in the CV. Instead simply write "References available on request".
Don't over play or under play your achievements
FormatPoints for those new to the rat race
If you are fresh out of university, college, or school it is possible that filling two sides of A4 with details of experience could prove tricky. Describe what skills you have learnt and put into practice during your studies, for example working in-groups, presentation skills, perhaps you have carried out some unpaid work experience. Do not worry about your CV being thin to begin with, everybody has to start somewhere.
Demonstrate on paper the benefits you could bring to the employer's organisation
Language
By combining razor sharp content that is clear, concise and instantly accessible with striking layout that adheres to the tried and tested conventions of CV writing, you will be half way to getting the perfect job.
What is a CV and what can it do for you?
If you buy a new stereo you make a point of reading its specification to make sure it can perform all the tasks you want it to do. An employer reads your CV for much the same purpose.
A CV is your personal specification, it documents your abilities, and shows the reader what you are capable of.
Curriculum Vitae is Latin for "course of life"Contact details
Often CV's are kept on file for long periods so any contact details you give have to remain accurate in the long term. A daytime phone number is most important, include your mobile number if you have one. Include an e-mail address, a Hotmail address is good because you will have it for life. If you have your own URL domain name put it down for added class, for example [email protected].
Date of birth and nationality
Employers are not allowed to discriminate, but putting these details down saves them having to ask you. If you are not a citizen of the country in which you are applying special arrangements may have to be made.
Introduction
Write a brief and powerful introduction last thing after you have written everything else. Sum up your key qualities and include your aims. There is no need to head this section as it is self-evident.
Previous employmentQualifications
There is no need to list all of your O-Level/GCSE subjects, simply write something like, 10 GCSE's A-C including Mathematics and English. A-Level and degree qualifications can be listed, the grades do not have to be included. List only the academic centres where a qualification was earned in reverse chronological order with dates.
Hobbies and interests
This give an insight into your personality. Consider carefully what you are putting down and its implications. Team events indicate that you are a team player, other activities such as Scouting, CCF, Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme show commitment and the fact you are not adverse to a challenge. If you like reading say whom you favourite author is.
Keep this section very brief, do not list ALL of your interests and hobbies.You do not want to give the employer the impression you would rather be doing your hobbies, or travelling around the world than doing the job you are being considered for.
References
Unless you have a reference that you are particularly proud of, for example a letter written by Richard Branson saying that you are the 'bees knees', then it is advisable not to include references in the CV. Instead simply write "References available on request".
Don't over play or under play your achievements
FormatPoints for those new to the rat race
If you are fresh out of university, college, or school it is possible that filling two sides of A4 with details of experience could prove tricky. Describe what skills you have learnt and put into practice during your studies, for example working in-groups, presentation skills, perhaps you have carried out some unpaid work experience. Do not worry about your CV being thin to begin with, everybody has to start somewhere.
Demonstrate on paper the benefits you could bring to the employer's organisation
Language
Comment