CURRICULUM VITAE (C.V.) GUIDANCE NOTES

A C.V. is an essential tool when looking for a job.  A well-designed C.V. has impact, is factual and brief.  The idea is to paint an attractive and accurate portrait of your abilities, achievements and interests.

A C.V. must portray you in a favourable and desirable way, be neat in both content and layout. It should be short, preferably two A4 sides, be positive and elaborate on your main responsibilities.

C.V. Tips

• C.V.’s should be typed / word processed.
• Produce a draft copy and edit.
• Get someone else to check your C.V if you have prepared it yourself.  They will be able to give you an unbiased view and may notice errors which you have not.
• If you use a computer always spell check it, if you don’t, use a dictionary.
• Re-read and re-check it thoroughly every time before use, updating positions, qualifications if necessary and making any adjustments appropriate to the position applied.
• Some people recommend that C.V.’s should include a statement that enhances your personality, attributes and characteristics.  This is sometimes called a Personal Profile i.e. ‘a dynamic man-manager that has the desire to succeed in all tasks.’  This is down to personal preference.

Information to be included:-

Personal details

• Full Name
• Full Address including Postcode
• Contact details - Telephone numbers e.g. mobile and land line numbers including STD code and Email address
• Date of Birth and Marital Status (if desired)

Education / Qualifications

In chronological order:

• Education / Qualifications attained
• School / College / University attended
• Any additional Training / Courses attended etc.

Employment History

In chronological order, start with your present or most recent post providing information on:

• Name of organisation by which you were employed
• Your position / job title
• Main responsibilities / duties including numbers and type of personnel that were under your control
• Main achievements
• Outline areas in which you made positive contributions to your company e.g.

‘The systems I introduced into the company are contributing to the overall success of the company.’

‘I designed and implemented new management structure.’

• If relevant, you can include business facts such as profit, turnover e.g.

‘I expanded market share by 30%.’

‘Doubled production targets within two years.’ 

Be sure to give detailed information about your present/most recent post, but omit some details as you go back in time, unless there is some specific relevance to the position that you are applying. 

Positions that were held more than about twelve years ago should be listed by organisation and job title only. 

There is no need to give reasons for leaving each specific job, as you will normally be asked these details during an interview.

Leisure Interests

The aim must be to strike a balance between the picture of someone whose leisure activities are so active and absorbing that they have no time for work and someone with no outside interests.

Remember, you may be asked to elaborate on these activities, so only include them provided you can discuss them intelligently with an interviewer who may be an expert.

References

Normally two references should be provided at the bottom of your C.V. including a previous employer. State whether or not these referees must be contacted in a confidential manner.  References should include the relationship with referee, referee’s profession, address, and telephone number.