Help with writing a CV

[broadbandking]

I am just wondering if anyone has any tips on writing a CV

[cnewton2k]

http://www.cvtips.com/

maybe this might help

[Anonymouse]

Here's one: don't use a service. If you have a computer, word processing software and a decent printer, they can't do any more than you can do for yourself. CVs are difficult to do because employers keep changing their minds about what they want to see and in what format. There is no standard.

Use a single sheet of A4, two at the very very most, good quality paper. Don't use any font smaller than 10pt, and always use "serious" fonts, i.e. nothing like handwriting or a comic font. Times New Roman is frequently used.

List jobs in reverse chronological order; ditto schools/colleges.

Without going into detail, include hobbies/outside interests; most employers don't want someone who doesn't have a life.

And though this sounds incredibly obvious, use the spellchecker. If they find even one spelling mistake in a document produced via a word processor, it'll go straight in the bin because there's no excuse for it. At least, that's what'd happen if I were reviewing it - if the applicant can't be bothered to use a simple thing like spellcheck, what'll s/he be like in the job?

Paragraphs - ensure they're justified. See above.

If you have a driving license, say so.

As for the format...dear gods, I can't advise you there. I don't think anyone can, really. I've used about 20 different formats over the years, and have frequently received conflicting advice...and I'm stuck in a dead-end warehouse job, the most highly qualified member of staff on the entire site (management included). Go figure.

Good luck. The way employers are these days, you'll bloody need it.

[cnewton2k]

also one thing i have been told is not to put your D.O.B on it

[haydnwalker]

You don't necessarily need you DOB on your CV - as if you have an application form as well (most employers these days request a filled in job application as well as a CV) you'll need to put it on there.

I would stick to simple formats that are easy to read and justified. Even Word has some good templates, but I wouldn't actually edit the template with your details...too many people do that and its not original.

I would look at the template and see what info goes in it, and then create a style that stands out a bit. Don't be afraid to use a splash of colour but only in one or two places to make something stand out.

[Angua]

Keep it as succinct as possible AND send it in an A4 envelope so it is not creased. Make sure the important stuff is on page 1 and make sure your name is in bold at the top preferably in a larger font size.

Also would avoid Times Roman unless you are applying to a Solicitors as it is now starting to look old fashioned. Ariel or Verdana always look clear.

[hokkers999]

Originally Posted by broadbandking

I am just wondering if anyone has any tips on writing a CV

this is a new take on the subject

http://www.visualcv.com/

---------- Post added at 16:12 ---------- Previous post was at 16:10 ----------

Originally Posted by haydnwalker

You don't necessarily need you DOB on your CV - as if you have an application form as well (most employers these days request a filled in job application as well as a CV) you'll need to put it on there.

[snip]

Nope, DOB is being taken OFF application forms, so that the potential employer isn't accused of not employing you because of your age. They are specifically not allowed to ask you how old you are.

[Charlie_Bubble]

These days it's not necessary to stick to one or two pages if you have a long job history, but make sure you include more detail about your latest positions and relevant jobs. Put the least number of pages you can get your history onto. I've done some recruiting before and believe me, it's not nice to receive some CVs that are 20+ pages long. I didn't bother reading much of this kind of CV. Some people will have had many jobs these days. The days of having one or two jobs in a lifetime are gone, so don't be afraid to use more pages, but be sensible.

Make sure it's neat and tidy, well laid out, nothing repeated (I've had CVs which have been cut and paste jobs and they haven't checked them afterwards), jobs are in the correct order and the dates match. I've seen CVs with jobs not in the correct order and overlapping dates. This makes the reviewer think you may just be making things up, or padding things out.

[shredder]

I thought employers couldn't request DOB's on CV's or applications forms following the Employment Equality (age) Regulations Law 2006....... Unless it was on a 'diversity monitoring form'