How to write a great CV
Your CV could be the most important document you'll ever write. A good CV needs to sell you - and like any effective marketing communication, it needs to give your audience reasons to want you.
To help you, we've created a CV template for you which you can download, fill in, SAVE and then send back to us.
Presentation
We recommend that you avoid gimmicky presentation. You don't want to look too lightweight. There's also no need to include a personal profile, details of your age, marital status or a photograph.
A clear typeface makes your CV much easier to read - 12 or 14 point typeface throughout is ideal.
Length
The CV should be long enough to do justice to your relevant experience, skills and achievements without being boring or repetitive. It's what's on the CV that counts, not the length.
Minimising personal information will give you more space to give details of your experience. You'll probably want to emphasise more recent experience - however, it's important not to leave any gaps in your record, as employers may wonder what you have been up to in-between.
Contact details
Make yourself easy to reach. Include a confidential email address, a daytime contact number or mobile number if this is more convenient (make it clear if discretion is required) and a postal address. Name and preferred contact number/email should be on all pages.
Content
You should give details of your day to day duties and responsibilities. This is especially important if you are making a change in career direction. Many skills are transferable but not all potential employers will know what your previous jobs entailed. Highlight your achievements and quantify them for added impact. This demonstrates your skills and shows potential employers how you can make a positive difference to their company or department.
