4 Steps To Writing The Perfect CV
Have you started looking at potential jobs for when you graduate university? Or are you stuck on how to put together a good CV so that you have better chances of getting an interview? Putting the perfect CV together can seem like a difficult, long-winded task, but it’s something you can compile bit by bit with a little help! Use this step-to-step guide to work through each aspect of your CV and you’ll have a great looking document.
Step 1: Think before you write – Failing to prepare is preparing to fail! Ideally a CV should be no longer than 2 pages, which should be perfectly structured. You need to work at finding a good balance of information so you stand out, but don’t go over-the-top with pointless information. Write down a list of key words, skills and achievements you want to include and make sure you have already got too much before you begin.
Step 2: Consider what will your potential employers be looking for – For each job you apply for, tailor your CV to suit what they are looking for in an employee. Different roles will require different skills or experience that you may have, so if they are specifying certain ones you have, be sure to demonstrate this. All employers will also be looking for key traits when looking through CV’s, qualifications and experience are always a plus when applying for a job, but personal qualities are just as important. Have a list of what you think are your key skills and personality traits, for instance ‘communication skills’, ‘I.T skills’, ‘enthusiasm’, ‘teamwork and leadership’ and ‘conscientious’ – to list a few.
Step 3: Layout – When you sit down to write your CV, you have to decide how you are going to go about formatting it. One of the most popular layouts is to have a short description of who you are and why you are applying for that particular job, followed by a list of your key skills and attributes, your education and then your previous employment or work experience, in chronological order.
Step 4: Sections –
Contact Details – Your name, D.O.B, address, email and telephone number should be at the top of your CV.
Personal Statement – Be sure this isn’t too long, you just want to write a small paragraph about yourself and what you are looking for in a career. For example ‘ I am an post graduate with a 2.1 degree in sports science currently looking for full-time work with in the gym/personal training industry to utilise skills and ambitions I can offer your company’ add to that something about yourself and what you are hoping to achieve with that company.
Skills and Attributes – Here you should list all skills and attributes you may have using bullet points. Remember to arrange these to suit the job you are applying for.
Education – This should be listed chronologically so start off with your most recent education and finish with your GCSE results. Summarise your GCSE’s to save space, for example ’10 GCSEs – 5 A’s, 4 B’s, 1 C – Including Maths, Science and English’
Employment – Again, this is another chronological list starting with your most recent employment. Include any paid work, voluntary work, internships, and placements. Write a short piece for each one including what your role was, the skills you used and your duties
References – To finish your CV off you should have a reference section, which should include two contacts. Ideally, this should be one academic and one previous employer if possible. If you’re space conscious, you will not lose points for putting ‘Available upon request” instead. If you are including any referees, make sure you have asked their permission beforehand.
Andrew Chell can be contacted as follows:
Phone: 01509 552814
Mobile:07769 684800
Email: [email protected]
Office: 66 Ashby Road, Loughborough LE11 3AE
Published 11th February 2015
