Jaluch Limited

Although the word Curriculum Vitae literally translated means the story of your life, we don't recommend that you take this literally!

The word resumé, as used in America, can be seen as hitting the nail on the head when it comes to describing the purpose of your CV. The art of a good CV is to create a succinct but informative overview of your working life, or education, depending on where you are in your career.

Some top tips that we have pulled together to help you make the right impression:

1) Make it snappy
You only have about five seconds to grab the readers' attention - Avoid making it too fancy and complicated, if it is too clever and unreadable it will go in the bin.

2) Remember it's a resumé
If possible try to keep it to one page, but if this looks too cramped then it can be spread out over two sheets.

3) The basics

• Give your name, address and contact details, including email address at the beginning. Remember any qualifications or professional memberships that allow you to use the accredited letters after your name - This can give instantly recognisable proof of your suitability.

• Write a brief tag line, or introduction that will help bring attention to your CV:
  e.g. "Super organised HR generalist with comprehensive employment law knowledge, ready to take on a new challenge".

• Provide a summary of your work experience, starting with your most recent job. Make sure that you list your job title, the name of the employer, the dates that you were employed and the main duties, responsibilities or competencies that you performed:
  
  e.g. HR Advisor, Aretailer Plc, Feb 2005 - June 2006
  
  
  • Developed an appreciation of commercial influences and the ability to identify the risks associated with any given course of action.
  • Utilised excellent customer service skills.
  • Relied strongly on personal initiative.
  • Worked closely with line managers providing employment law advice.
  
  
• Give details of your education, starting with your most recent qualification. Make sure that you list the level, programme name, the institution and dates:
  e.g. BSc (Hons) Psychology, Bath University, Sept 1998-June 2001.

• Following this list any professional qualifications or memberships that you may have, e.g. MCIPD, CITP or CPP.

• If there is room you might like to write a brief personal statement outlining your interests and hobbies. Although this is not essential, it may help you convey your personality. Obviously don't write anything that you wouldn't be happy talking about to a stranger and be sure to keep it clean!

4) Say it loud, say it proud
Make sure that everything you write is true, but try to present the best possible version of yourself. If you did something well, write it down. List your strengths as competencies in line with the requirements of the job that you are applying for.

5) Use common sense
Don't try to make jokes and never badmouth previous employers!

6) Quality counts
Make sure that it is printed on good quality paper, or if submitting by email, that it will format and print correctly at the other end! Try to save your CV as a PDF as this means that it will print in exactly the format that you intend.

7) Conscientious, Action, Focused
Watch for repetitions like "responsible for" and try to make your points more than just a job spec. or an embarrassing list of "action words" – You will be selling yourself short if you do.

8) Spellin!
It may sound obvious, but make sure that there are no spelling mistakes! Ask someone else to check your CV for you, as a fresh pair of eyes may see errors that you have become blind to.

9) Your mission
Make sure that you follow the instructions on the job advert accurately. If the company ask for your CV to be no more than 1 page long, then make sure it is this length. Ensure your application is submitted in time and only phone the company direct if asked to do so.

10) Leave them wanting more!
Remember that your CV is a unique chance to sell yourself to your prospective employer. Put yourself in their shoes and write or amend your CV with the intention of capturing their attention and leaving them with a sense of excitement about meeting you at interview.