A well written CV maximises your chances of obtaining interviews with the best companies. Just as you want to know what an organisation can offer you, they want to know clearly and concisely what you can bring to them.
- Keep it concise; your CV should be no more than 3 pages.
- Make it easy to read.
- Always spell check your CV, and then ask a friend to read over it for any mistakes.
- Be honest!
What to put in your CV
- Contact Details
- Nationality (and visa status if applicable)
- An Introduction
- A good example is "8 years experience in Project Management and Business Analysis within Finance and Telecommunications, backed by a 1st class degree and MSc."
- Do not fall into the trap of writing irrelevant clichés such as "I'm self motivated, able to work in a team and on my own."
- Previous Employment
- Reverse chronological order
- Company names and all start and leaving dates (month/year)
- Do not leave gaps
- Highlight key responsibilities using active verbs: managed, delivered, developed
- Try to avoid phrases such as: "I worked on C++/UNIX", instead expand this: "Developed network management suite in C++ on Solaris and Linux platforms in parallel."
- Bullet points can be used for maximum impact
- Include industry "buzzwords"; but it is imperative that you highlight how you applied these
- Include your achievements: mentored/managed staff, cost and length of projects
- Qualifications
- No need to list all GCSE's or O Levels
- A-Level grades are optional, but definitely include them if they are excellent.
- Include final degree mark, if you do not a prospective employer will assume the worst
- Hobbies and Interests
- This gives an insight into your personality
- Highlight only those areas that you have a particular interest or skill
- References
- Optional, but ideally provide two relevant work references that can substantiate your technical experience
