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| A C.V. has one purpose - to get you an interview - so it's important that you get it right! Remember that employers who read C.V.s are under massive time constraints these days. They want headlines and impact. If your C.V is lengthy and too detailed the best bit may be at the end, but the reader may have given up before getting that far. Our clients want to see a C.V. that you've prepared yourself and it's your opportunity to sell yourself and demonstrate how appropriate your skills and experience will be for the position, so here's a few hints to assist you. A basic C.V. template is available in the downloads section of this site. Complete/edit it and submit to your Consultant, or print it out for your own use. |
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Presentation - Keep it short and concise! 2 or 3 A4 pages maximum on white or cream paper (not coloured). Always type your C.V. |
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Check spelling and grammar - and then get a friend to check it! |
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Check dates - education and employment - to ensure they match up and don't overlap. |
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Explain any gaps in employment to prevent suspicion or questions about what you've been doing. |
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Research the company you're applying to and tailor your C.V. accordingly. |
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Always take a copy of your C.V. with you to interview in case the interviewer has mislaid their copy and to ensure you remember what's in it! |
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Make sure all parts of your C.V. are accurate. Don't forget to update any educational qualifications, for example. |
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Never lie or exaggerate anything on your C.V. Adding six months to your time at a company will certainly lose you the new job if you are caught out. Spending time travelling, for example working for a charity in France will show your knowledge of the country and its culture. Many employers have access to C.V. checking services that verify school grades and degrees. |
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Avoid using 'we' - focus on the contribution that you made. Make frequent use of active verbs, for example: achieved, set up, managed, attained, responsible for, led. |
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| A C.V. should include the following: |
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Profile - This should sum up your character and strengths in 2 or 3 sentences. Beware of making claims that you would find difficult to substantiate at interview. |
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Personal Details - Name, date of birth and mobility. |
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Skills - A brief overview including P.C., typing, shorthand, data entry, switchboard. |
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Employment History - Start with current/most recent and work backwards through your career, putting start and end dates, company name and position held. List achievements, duties and responsibilities, reason for leaving and final salary. |
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Educational Background - List qualifications including exam boards, subjects and grades. Also list any business courses attended. |
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Hobbies and Interests - It's useful to include any charity or voluntary work or where you've worked as part of a team or shown leadership skills in sports, etc. But don't include personal pursuits that you don't do often - you'll feel awkward if questioned about them! |
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