How to set out a CV – from Berkeley Scott

What is the purpose of a CV? It is your introduction to an employer or recruitment company and gives you the opportunity to sell yourself. It also acts as a guide to the interviewer.

How to set it out

Name & contact details

• List your name, home address and all telephone numbers on which you are happy to be contacted.
• Give your e-mail address, at home and at work, again make sure you're happy for both to be used.
• If you are moving address, give both your permanent and temporary contact details.
• If you wish to include date of birth, marital status and nationality, here is where to include them.

Career history

• Start with the most recent position and continue in reverse chronological order.
• Give the greatest information on your last two positions and reduce the detail as you work back.
• If more than one position has been held within a company, list each position, but do not be repetitive in describing responsibilities or achievements.
• Give basic factual information; save the detail for the interview.
• Present information in bullet form, which is clearer and easier to read.
• List achievements which are measurable wherever possible, ie increased profit from X to Y, reduced staff turnover from X% to Y%.
• Emphasize achievements and use positive language as "achieved", "responsible for" and "attained".

Interests

• List your interests and hobbies, including any sports, clubs or associations with which you are involved.
• Make sure they are your interests and hobbies, otherwise you won't know what you are talking about!

References

• Give the full names, addresses and contact details of two reliable referees, and make sure you have asked them first!

And finally...

• Make sure your CV is immaculately presented. Use a clear and plain typeface and good quality, white paper.
• Keep it to the minimum - ideally two pages.
• Check and double check. Your CV is a direct reflection of you; ask a friend to read it.
• Be honest at all times. If you're not, you will get caught out at some stage and your career will be severely damaged as a result.
• Whilst you should emphasize the positive elements of your CV, don't exaggerate the facts. Again, you will get found out.

Send your CV with a covering letter, which should:

• Outline the position you are applying for.
• State where you saw it advertised.
• Refer to the attached CV.
• State your current salary.
• Give contact details, especially if you'll be on the move.
• Tell the employer why you would be good for the job.
• Be brief - one page maximum.
• Send it to the correct person, at the correct address.

We hope these few tips will assist you in producing an effective CV and it will in turn open many doors for you. Happy job hunting!

Article courtesy of recruitment consultants Berkeley Scott Group

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