So what is a curriculum vitae and why is it so important? Employers have been known to spend just five seconds glancing at each curriculum vitae, so catching their eye and drawing them to your strengths is essential. Study the job description and clearly identify your experience, expertise and achievements that best suit the role.
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Personal Statement
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A personal statement should be 4-6 lines in length and as it is situated at the top of your curriculum vitae, must be able to compel the employer to read further.
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Skills and Achievements
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This section will usually be placed after your qualifications. Â However if you feel you have impressive skills and achievements that directly relate to the job in question, you may insert this section after or within your personal statement.
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Employment History
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Starting with your most recent position, give the following details:
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Job Title                                                                         Start â€" End dates
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Company Name
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• Use bullet points to list your responsibilities and achievements  beneath each position.
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• Where possible use quantified results such as “10% reduction in waiting timesâ€.  Giving enough detail/evidence to add substance to your claims whilst still remaining brief and to the point.
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• Only include details of temporary work if it is relevant to the job you're applying for.
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Education
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If you have just finished your education or have limited work experience, then this section can be added before your work history. Â Bare in mind which qualifications will be most relevant and advantageous to the employer. Inserting these higher up within a clear and logical format.
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Interests and Responsibilities
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Many social activities can be used to demonstrate leadership and team work qualities. Â Perhaps you are a member of a club organizing events or have taken on extra responsibilities within your community. Â If none of your interests are directly applicable to the position you are applying for be relatively brief.
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Personal Information
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This section is optional and a perfect space filler if required. Â Include information such as date of birth, nationality, relationship status and the number of children you may have.
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Choosing your referees
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Include one referee from your most recent employer and then a second of your choosing. Â A good referee will hold a position of authority, be articulate and knowledgeable of your work.
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Check List
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1.Use good quality paper which matches that used for your covering letter.
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2.Save the document with an identifiable file name such as, yournamecv.
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3.Retain areas of white space to make it easy on the eye.
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4.Use bold to highlight instead of colours.
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5.Ask three people to proof read your curriculum vitae and read aloud to yourself.
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6.Send email applications in PDF format otherwise structural errors may occur.
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7.Do not use to many bullet points. Â A maximum of 6 is advisable.
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8.Use no more than two pages unless you have a large work history.
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9.Do not add a photo unless you feel this will strengthen your application. For example barmaid, entertainer etc.
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10.Avoid using graphics or colours unless your job sector requires creative flare.
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11.Do not use jargon, colloquial language or abbreviations.
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12.Do not mention your last salary unless requested in the job description.
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13.Giving the reason for leaving your last job is better saved for the interview.
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14.Never write in the third person as this can drastically reduce your chances of progressing to interview.
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