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CV Template

1. Start with your name and update contact details
2. Add a short and concise personality profile, that will be interesting to the reader.(don't waffle)
3. Put your highest level of education first.
4. Begin with your most recent job and work backwards chronologically.
5. Ensure all dates are accurate including month and year with no gaps, or explain why there is a career gap (other wise they may think that you have been in prision for stealing stationary).
6. Stress your past accomplishments and the specific skills used to achieve these.
7. Focus on information relevant to the post you are applying for.
8. Include soft skills, which reflect achievements.
9. Leave out any references to unrelated hobbies or memberships of clubs unless they can impress.
10. Keep it concise using short sentences and short paragraphs for clarity. Avoid flowery language.
11. It should cover no more than two sides of a sheet of paper.
12. Be positive. Blow your own trumpet.
13. Use bullet points to emphasise specific points and break up slabs of text.
14. Keep it all in the same tense.
15. Don’t include photographs or any attachments unless they have been asked for.
16. It should be in black and white on a good quality A4 white paper if a posted copy is required
17. Use an easy-to-read font such as Helvetica, Courier, Arial or Times in 10 or 11 point. (Design to impress, but don't over design)
18. Check and re-check the spelling, then ask a trusted colleague/friend to proofread it thoroughly for you.
19. Be honest. Many companies check out a CV. They will also know from your P45 what salary you were earning.
20. If you fax or e-mail your CV also send a copy in the post with a covering letter.

Header

1. Name
2. Home address
3. Telephone numbers (include mobile)
4. Email address
5. Date of birth

Body

1. Relevant qualifications with the dates achieved
2. Nationality / right to work i.e. visa status
3. Languages
4. Personal profile – a short paragraph about your career to date, key skills and ambitions

Academic history

1. Start year – end year of college/university and qualifications gained
2. Start year – end year of school
3. Position
4. Exam results and grades

Date of starting present job-including month and year

1. Current employer
2. Current position
3. Responsibilities – your key responsibilities and targets, how you contributed to the growth of the business, management and motivation skills
4. Achievements – a concise summary of the projects you successfully completed, the outcome and benefits
5. Salary
6. Benefits package
7. Notice period

Date of starting previous job – date of leaving

1. Company name
2. Position held
3. Responsibilities
4. Achievements (Repeat for all jobs back to finishing your education)

Supplementary information

1. Other courses attended
2. Computer skills
3. Relevant interests outside work