Writing an Effective CV
Your CV is the first impression that you'll make on a potential employee. There are many approaches regarding preparing the ideal CV, but there is definitely some room for flexibility. Here are some basic rules to follow that will ensure your CV represents you in the best light.
General Tips
- There is no need for photographs of yourself, or decorative borders.
- Your CV should ideally cover no more than four pages. Ensure the content is clear, structured, concise and relevant. Using bullet points rather than full sentences can ensure it is easier to read.
- Always check your CV for grammatical errors and spelling mistakes – these create a poor impression.
- Your CV is a marketing document, aimed at getting you an interview. Remember to sell yourself, highlighting your strengths and noteworthy achievements.
- The client will use your CV as the starting point for discussion during the interview, so be prepared to expand on the content, in particular your achievements, and make sure you can substantiate everything you include. Gaps in career history should be explained.
- It is not necessary to include reasons for leaving each job on your CV but be prepared to answer these questions in your interview.
- Ensure you include all significant responsibilities and achievements as your CV may be used to screen you for particular roles.
CV structure
Do
- Keep a clear layout and use a traditional typeface such as Arial, Courier or Times New Roman.
- Start with your personal details and include mobile/landline numbers and email address.
- List your professional qualifications and ensure institution names and dates attended are included.
- Include your work history and educational details in reverse chronological order. More emphasis should be put on more recent jobs, as it's easier to follow.
- Include all relevant computer skills and technologies used, as well as your specific role, and any other recent training/development that is relevant to the role applied for.
- Highlight achievements and be specific, using examples to illustrate your success and the positive impact you had.
- Leave hobbies and interests until the end - these should be kept brief.
Don't
- Don't include superfluous details such as religious affiliation, children's names etc.
- Don't include current salary details.
- Don't write in a narrative style.
- Don't use abbreviations and jargon.
- Don't exaggerate your role and experience.
Downloadable example CV
To help you prepare your CV to match the job opportunity, Agile has prepared a sample CV for you as a guide.