Shape up your CV

10 Tips to get your CV into shape

There are endless different opinions on how to write a curriculum vitae. Whatever guidelines you use you must not forget that it is the most important marketing document you will write in your life.

1. To ensure you do not miss out on any vacancies you must try to keep your CV. up-dated at all times.
2. Customise the CV. for each job you apply to. Vary the emphasis on the information that is most relevant to the job you are applying for.
3. Above all your CV must be professionally written and easy to read with no spelling mistakes. Use plain coloured paper and black or blue ink. If you are unable to sell yourself through your CV you will not convince the reader you will be an asset to their establishment.
4. Feel confident and knowledgeable about everything you have written - you will most likely be questioned about it during interview.
5. Use positive words throughout your CV for example: achieved, completed, delegated, organised, managed.
6. Keep sentences short. If you have a lot of information to say use bullet points e.g.
   Oversaw a team of ten people
   Worked with a budget in excess of one million pounds
7. Use headlines to help the reader scan the CV for example:
   January 98 - March 1999 XYZ Health Company - Area Manager
8. Write in the third person so you can give yourself credit without appearing brash, e.g. Jamie has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of sales and marketing. Or, Lesley has consistently reached above sales targets for the last eight months.
9. You would be well advised to miss out the following details as they clutter the CV and can be mentioned at a later date.
   Salary details - either current or expected
   Reasons for leaving last employer - if not obvious
   Health details - unless chronic illness that would affect ability to work.
   Children’s names/ages
   Negative information, words or phrases.
   References - these can be given at a latter stage
10. Keep the CV to a maximum of two to three pages long. Do not write a book!

Covering Letter

Do not send a CV. out without one!

1. Always write to a named individual.
2. Highlight the key features that make you an ideal person to employ for that position.
3. Keep it brief and do not waffle on.
4. Explain that you will follow your CV up with a telephone call, and ensure that you phone within a week of sending it.
5. In the first paragraph state why you are writing, use the second paragraph for why you are suitable for the position and the third and final paragraph saying that you will be following the CV up with a telephone call.