Creating a Professional CV

Our Top Ten CV Tips...

1. A good CV consists of a two-page document with a covering letter. If it's being sent to the US, then call it a 'Resume' and fit it on one page. (Using 10 pitch font can be a good starting point).
2. A CV should be written starting with your latest position and working back, placing less and less emphasis on each previous position and summarising anything more than 10 years ago.
3. Never add to an old CV, always start again and then make sure that the finished document is at least one third white space, less than this it will appear difficult to read.
4. A CV should NOT begin with a block of text telling the reader how wonderful you are. Given that these are your opinions about yourself, they are of no value whatsoever. A summary profile of your skills and expertise should appear in the covering letter.
5. If you live outside London and the Thames Valley, have limited education, or are likely to be considered too old for the position, then put these personal details at the bottom of page two rather than drawing attention to them at the top of page one. Then e-mail the document back to yourself to make sure it looks right.
6. For each position that you have held, concentrate on your achievements. When you have finished drafting your CV, use a highlighter pen to mark your successes. If half the document is not highlighted, then start again. You may find it easier if you write down achievements for each role, then add the other details. Use bullet points, not blocks of text. Remember that very few people actually read a CV, most just skim through them.
7. Beware of titles! Use the title that reflects what you did, (not necessarily the title given to you). Think about the level of job that you will be offered and reflect that on your CV. Companies will be put off interviewing you if they think that you are too senior or too junior for the role. Beware the title Manager, only use it if you managed people in the previous role.
8. If you started your career in a different industry to IT, then express it in summary terms. Given that the IT industry is elitist, being too specific about previous employers could give a down market impression. Do not take up space explaining the size and significance of your employer. If the company is unknown to the person reading your CV, you are probably applying for the wrong job!
9. Do not indicate your salary either now or previously on the CV, it gives the wrong impression. If replying to an advertised vacancy it is worth indicating it on the covering letter in order to avoid wasting time later. If you lie about education, age or miss off previous jobs, remember that if you are found out, it could result in summary dismissal.
10. Never forget that your CV is nothing more and nothing less than a selling document designed to get you the interview.