Writing your CV

Size
The average CV is just over two pages long, so unless you have effected board level structural change, it is advisable to keep your CV to within 2 pages.

A CV is simply a sales tool, documenting your strengths and experience. As such it should be kept formal, practical and concise. CV’s will often be studied for no more than 10 seconds, so ensure that what you write is important.

“Wacky” CVs are great fun and suit applications for advertising agencies where creativity is required. For other roles, ensure that you are not ruled out for any reason other than the content, by keeping a CV conservative. Black ink on white A4 paper is the least offensive.

Content
Too much detail can be detrimental to your application.

For instance, if a supermarket wants to employ a buyer and you are a buyer, then you may be asked to interview. However if you detail that you are a biscuit buyer who has only ever sourced from Italy and they require a buyer for cabbages, you may be ruled out.

Keep your background broad to increase your compatibility with a client’s brief, and leave the details until the interview when they can be brought up if they are necessary.

Ensure that you cover all the basics, including contact details. (see template below) Only provide work numbers / email addresses if you are prepared to be contacted in this way.

Writing your CV
A cover letter should contain:
An introduction to yourself and what you do.
Why you are looking to leave
What role you are seeking and for what reasons.
Whether you can relocate
Your anticipated timescales
Your present salary and package
Your anticipated package
Your Notice period
Notes on any visa requirements

The attached CV template contains all elements usually present and expected within a normal CV. It should be used as a guideline only and adapted to your own needs, but provides a starting point and format to begin with.

Media
Today, it is essential that you can forward your details via email. Gone are the days when a client will wait by a fax machine to receive a batch of CVs. Most clients will now insist that all applications are electronically collated and therefore it is essential to have your own email contact. These are free to set up in any library. An inability to utilise electronic mail will suggest to a client that your IT skills are below necessary levels.