How to write a Curriculum Vitae

Getting a job is all about marketing yourself and writing your CV always seems a daunting task - this need not be the case. Remember your CV is your ticket to a job interview and in an increasingly competitive job market it is crucial that you get it right. Does your CV demonstrate your key skills and abilities, your qualifications and suitability for the post? Whilst your CV should consider all these points it should also leave the interviewer wanting to know more. To help you, consider the following expert advice when writing your CV.

• Keep it brief. CV's should not be longer than 2 pages it is strongly advisable you resist the temptation to cram everything on to it as this will detract from the true content.
  
  
• Keep it relevant. Where possible your CV should demonstrate why you are qualified to work for the organisation you are writing to. Whilst you should put all of your work experience down, don't go in to much detail about the jobs that you have held that are not relevant to the post you are applying for.
  
  
• Make it clear. CV's that are easy to read are more likely to be successful at getting you an interview. Don't use small font or too many different styles, try to limit italics and where possible use bullet points rather than paragraphs of text. Make sure the positions you have held stand out and are easily identifiable.
  
  
• Work backwards chronologically. Styles change but you should always start with your most recent work experience first.
  
  
• List your main responsibilities and achievements under each post but don't give too much detail.
  
  
• Keep it simple. Try not to use complicated formats or tables as these can confuse the reader. Similarly don't include a photo; this does not determine whether you are suitable for the position.
  
  
• Include all your qualifications and academic achievements with the most recent first. These can go before or after your history of employment.
  
  
• Keep personal interests to a minimum and try to keep them relevant. For example, if you work in a local charity this would be a good interest to mention when applying for public affairs posts.
  
  
• Highlight additional skills such as IT skills or courses you have attended which may be relevant to the post.
  
  
• Include 2 referees, preferably from previous jobs or academic tutors.
  
  
• Don't forget your contact details including a personal email address and phone numbers.
  
  
• Optional – You could include a brief profile at the top of the CV which highlights your key skills and the type of role that you are seeking.
  
  

General CV Checklist

The format of your CV is entirely up to you. It is however essential you include the following:

• Personal details- your name, address, date of birth, nationality and contact details.
• Education and qualifications.
• Employment history (in reverse order and with a brief description of your main achievements and responsibilities).
• Additional skills, including IT skills and other relevant qualifications.
  
  

Optional extras
When incorporating additional information on your CV be sure to keep it short, sharp and relevant:

• Profile- a couple of lines about your key skills and the type of role you are seeking.
• Interests- especially where they are relevant.
• Referees with their contact details. Always ask permission from referees before including them on your CV.
  
  

Writing a covering letter

One of the most frequently asked questions hat Electus is how to write a covering letter, what it should include and what the employer is looking for. Many job applications specifically ask for a covering letter in addition to a CV. However when sending out your CV to a potential employer you should always include a covering letter explaining why you are writing to them. Remember they may receive hundreds of CVs each day, a covering letter demonstrates your motivation and suitability succinctly in a professional manner.

The purpose of a covering letter.
Whilst your CV may be generic and applicable to a wide range of posts, the covering letter should demonstrate the skills and experience you have that are particularly applicable to the job in question.

A covering letter should:

• Explain why you are writing to the organisation
  
• Demonstrate why you are suitable for the role
  
• And convey why you would like the job.
  
• As with writing a CV there are several things to bear in mind when writing a covering letter:
  

What is the employer looking for?
Reread the advertisement or job description carefully and make sure you are clear about the exact requirements of the role and the experience they are seeking. You may wish to write yourself a short list of bullet points to act as a guide.

Keep it relevant
Like in your CV, mention only those experiences that qualify you for the role.

Tailor the letter
When stipulating why you are applying for the role, try to make it as relevant to the company as possible. Spend some time researching the company and identify what it is about the organisation that appeals. Try not to make the letter sound generic.

Keep it short
Your covering letter should be one page if possible. As with the CV this is your ticket to an interview and should be informative yet encourage the employer want to find out more.

Proof read it
This also applies to your CV. Before submitting your CV or covering letter, proof read them thoroughly for typing and grammatical errors. Don't give employers a chance to disregard your applications for a simple spelling mistake.

Get a second opinion
It is always a good idea to get a second or third opinion such as a careers advisor or a friend. Often an objective opinion draws attention to things you had not noticed or thought of yourself.