Focus Human Resources Solutions

Your CV is your unique selling tool; it tells potential employers why you might be suitable for the job and allows you to show off your skills and experience. Just a quick glance at your CV should give an employer a good idea of who you are and how you might fit into their organisation. A CV is an opportunity for you to present yourself in the best possible way. Most vacancies will require a CV so if you have one prepared and you keep it up to date you will be able to respond quickly whenever the ideal job comes along.

How do I prepare my CV?

Start by writing down notes on your education, work experience, skills and professional or academic qualifications or membership to any professional organisations. Think about the purpose of each job, your responsibilities and the results you achieved.

• Write down dates of employment
• Explain any gaps in employment or why you left one job for another
• Explain what you did with your time in between employment e.g. travelling, studying, volunteer work, raising a family etc.
• Promote your strengths and abilities and show what you can bring to an employer.
• Think like an employer, what will they be looking for in an employee? Think about the role you want to fill and why you would be suitable.
• Consider what factors they have mentioned in the job description.

Always be accurate and honest – the employer/interviewer may use your CV as a base for questioning in the interview. For an example CV, click here.

How do I present my CV?

Presentation is key; follow these easy steps to construct your CV.

• Make sure your CV is clear and easy to read, if you have access to a computer, use it to type up your CV, make sure font type and size are not too big or too small and choose plain typeface.
• Keep descriptions brief, factual and to the point.
• Don’t let your CV take up too much space, 2 to 3 pages is plenty.
• The first page should have the most important information as this is where employers will read first.
• State why you want the job and how you are qualified for it.
• Use verbs at the beginning of sentences where you are explaining jobs and responsibilities, i.e. managed, developed, created, co-ordinated etc.
• List most recent position first and show where you worked, dates and job titles.
• Make your CV clear and simple and remember to highlight your strengths wherever possible.

Other helpful hints...

• Don't forget, when sending a CV make sure you enclose a covering letter (or wording if in an email) explaining why you're sending your CV to them.
• Make sure you send your CV to the contact person as advertised, or if you are sending it in on a speculative basis make an effort to find out who the best person to send it to is.
• Check spelling and grammar, if you can, get someone else to read through it to make sure it reads well.

For an example CV, click here.