Your personal CV definitely requires consideration, real thought and thorough preparation.
Your resume serves as your very own representative in the job world and will speak volumes about you before any interview. Spend the appropriate amount of time ensuring it is a direct reflection of how you want to be perceived in the job market – remember; it is your resume that will be the pivotal point in any potential employer or agency contacting you for interview.
Below are some tips you might like to consider when compiling your resume.
- Unless the recipient of your CV has requested any further detailed responses to questions or selection criteria, two to three pages is ideal as it provides enough information for the reader to be interested and curious enough to contact you for interview without leaving you with little to talk about once you actually meet.
- If you are preparing a CV for a specific vacancy, your experience should reflect that of the role you are applying for, such as the relevant technical skills or management experience that the reader is seeking. The closer your CV relates to the role, the better your chances of securing an interview.
- If you are hoping to make a career change, detail the skills you believe are transferable to support your new career objectives. (Bullet points are useful to highlight relevant skills and experience and help break up continuous text)
- Ensure that you explain any long career gaps (i.e. traveling, study, sabbaticals).
- You could consider formatting your CV into 5 easy to read sections being Personal Information, Education and Qualifications, Employment History or Projects Managed, Interests and Referees.
Personal Information
Include:
- Name
- Full address
- Telephone numbers (home and mobile)
- Contact email address
- Preferred method of contact
Qualifications
List your education, trades and/or qualifications in chronological order. In some cases you may need to provide your academic transcripts.
Employment History or Projects Managed
- Detail your most recent job first and work backward chronologically
- Ensure you include the Name of the Company you were employed with, the dates of your tenure, the title of the role you held and the tasks you performed.
- If you performed any other duties such as relieving in another role whilst another member of staff was on leave, please be sure to include this.
- Detail your accomplishments in each role as it shows a pattern of achievement.
Personal Interests
List interests and hobbies, as well as associations or clubs you may be a member of.
Referee Details
Include recent referees. Always personally ask your colleagues if they are prepared to act as referees on your behalf and alert them to your job search. Written references can also be included.
Check
Before submitting your resume to any potential employer or agency, ensure you check it thoroughly for spelling mistakes but also, to ensure that it is a clear representation of you and that it will encourage the reader to contact you to find out more or arrange an interview. Most importantly, always thoroughly proof-read your CV or ask someone to do it for you before sending it.
