A professional looking CV that clearly details your skills and experience will play a major part in whether or not you make it through to the interview stage.

Basic Structure

Ideally your CV will be between 2-3 pages long and include the following sections:

• Personal details
• Education and Qualifications
• Key Skills / Strengths
• Employment History
• Hobbies & Interests
• Referees

Content Tips

• If using a personal email address in the personal details section, ensure that it is of a professional nature.
• Your application should reflect your unique achievements, your particular combination of skills, expertise and experience.
• Customise your CV for each job by focusing on previous experience or skills that are particularly relevant to the advertised role. This can include using similar terminology in your CV to what is used in the ad.
• When listing your employment history, start with your most recent or current role and make sure you include employer names, positions held and primary responsibilities. Ensure you mention precise facts such as “Managed a team of 10 people” or “Increased profit for the business area by 25% between Q1, 2001 and Q4, 2001”.
• Do not leave unexplained gaps in your work experience history. If you have taken time out to go travelling for 6 months this should be clear on your CV.
• When listing your employment history make sure you provide the months as well as the years. Eg. Do not simply list 2001-2003.
• Employers today often make up their mind about an applicant based on the key skills / strengths area so make sure you spend time developing this section.
• Your CV should be an accurate reflection of your skills and experience. If you don’t have the relevant skills to do the job, then don’t apply.
• Include contact details of at least two referees. At least one of these should be from your former employer. If you are a newly qualified graduate than you should list your lecturer as a reference.
• Ensure that you spell check and then proofread your CV thoroughly before submitting it to each role. Just one small typing error could potentially ruin your application.

Formatting

• Use a common program such as Word.
• Ensure there is plenty of white space making it easier for the reader to scan the page.
• Use a standard font size that is easy to read on screen, such as Arial 10 point.
• Keep it simple. The more graphics or design elements you incorporate into your resume, the more likely it is the recipient will have trouble accessing or printing it.