Preparing Your CV

When preparing your CV, follow these simple guidelines:

  • Try to keep your CV to two pages long – much longer could potentially be off-putting for the interviewer.
  • Format your CV simply, as you would with an official document – do not try to “jazz it up” with brightly coloured fonts or paper or insert unnecessary pictures, photographs, diagrams etc. Try to make the CV look attractive and easy to read – set it out clearly, using only one or two standard fonts.
  • Check your spelling!
  • Many people start their CV by writing a short profile about themselves detailing their previous experience, what they feel they have to offer and what they are looking for eg “Friendly and efficient individual with superb customer service skills gained within high volume and high pressure call centre environments. Able to work independently or as part of a team. Seeking an Account Management role with opportunities for progression”. Profiles like this can be very useful to “sell” yourself on your CV, however do make sure that the profile fits the role you are applying for.
  • Write the CV in the third person. This means that you will not use the word “I” or state “I did this or that” but say “this role involved” or “main duties included”.
  • Detail all of your previous jobs i.e if you worked in the aviation industry, and the dates you worked, and ensure that there are no unexplained gaps in your employment history.
  • Include your reasons for leaving each job.
  • Detail all of your education, qualifications and training courses completed.
  • Many people add their personal details such as marital status, date of birth, nationality etc – this information is not necessary so is up to you if you wish to detail it.
  • Remember to put your correct contact details on the CV so that you can be called for an interview, don't forget to check out interview techniques sections for some tips.