CV Writing Tips

There are some clear rules to writing a C.V that will increase your chances with any prospective employer.

Keep it short! Make sure your CV is no longer than 2 pages. Longer CVs tend to be the first to be rejected by many busy employers. 2 Pages are ideal but not always realistic if your CV has to be longer put the highlights on the first page.

Keep it simple! Employers will generally be uninterested if you like fishing, playing football and sewing. If in doubt leave it out. Never, ever use more than 2 colours! Employers will not care if you feel pink yellow and blue go well together they are more likely to think of nursery school, not the desired effect.

Never ever use more than two fonts or font sizes! Very similar to colours this statement of individuality too often goes horribly wrong. One size for headings (12) and one for text (10) is quite sufficient and obviously your name can be larger text again (no more than 24).

Structure - Write your CV in a rational order. This is the layout we like to see as it has the most impact:
1. Name
2. All contact details
3. Personal details (eg. car, date of birth etc)
4. Employment history (in reverse chronological order, most recent job first, give the location, key responsibilities, achievements and salary earned for each position)
5. Education
6. Hobbies and Interests
Your CV should tempt an employer, leaving them wanting to know more.
Keep your CV up to date.
Keep your CV on a floppy disk
Write your CV using a standard word processor package, eg. MS Word.