Preparing a Winning CV

A Guide For Candidates

The following advice is based purely on personal preferences developed over years of reading good, bad and indifferent variations on a theme. The best CV is one that you feel is right for you. It is, after all, a means of presenting yourself. Simply beware the common pitfalls.

If you would like a “critique” of your CV we would be happy to review it with you.

The CV in Context

A good CV represents your first opportunity to impress a prospective employer but it is important to keep it in perspective. The CV is only one part of the application process. Think of it as a black and white snapshot of yourself.  Only one version should be needed.  Your covering letter is almost as key a document because in it you highlight all the reasons why you deserve a place on the interview list.  There is a delicate balance to be achieved.  You should not sell yourself short but nor should you use all your ammunition. Always ensure you leave yourself room at the interview stage to enhance and expand on what you’ve provided in writing.

Positive Positioning

A CV should give the reader a positive and straightforward account of your background. Importantly, the content should be entirely factual.

Be sure to describe your achievements but do not include glowing self-assessments. They simply beg the question, "says who?" and incite the obvious challenge, "prove it!".

The essentials of a good CV

• It is two pages in length.
  Three pages is a maximum. If you can't fit your CV onto three pages you must be saying too much. Fitting in more by reducing the font size defeats the object!
  
• It is easy to read.
  Make it "skim readable". Use bullet points instead of full sentences. Be sure to use headings. Avoid heavy blocks of text. Use a clear typeface.
  
• "Today's news" is on the first page.
  The first page of your CV is critically important. It should show exactly who you are today so that, ideally, the skim reader can put you on the interview list without even having to tackle page two. Include personal data, contact details, academics and your current role.
• Describe your achievements
  Avoid re-writing your job description and concentrate on what you have delivered.
• Show promotions
  A prospective employer will want to see evidence of advancement.  Where there was no obvious or specific promotion, describe any increase in responsibilities to demonstrate your career development.
• Get it right
  A mistake on your CV is unforgivable.  For some employers it is an immediate disqualifier. Once you’re absolutely sure yours is error-free, ask someone else to check it for you, just in case.  A fresh pair of eyes is always helpful.