CV/Application Writing

Write your CV

Having a well-presented, up-to-date CV that stays relevant to the job for which you’re applying will help to set you apart from fellow candidates.

It’s your chance to sell your skills, experience and knowledge. Many people use a personal statement at the top of a CV to clearly explain to the recruiter – who might be reading their 100th CV of the day – what you can do for them and why you’re the person for the job.

However, it’s not your life story. Keep in mind your CV’s main purpose is to get you an interview. Beyond that, it should also provide a source of interesting information and examples. You could also see it as your ‘script’ to refer to during an interview. And, after the interview, it’s a reminder for you and the employer of what you said.

Remember, you’re not writing a CV for yourself, you are writing it for the potential employer. So, put yourself in their shoes and ensure you relate your experience to the specific role. That means knowing what the job entails, breaking it down into key competencies and referencing these throughout your CV, particularly on the first page.

CV top tips

Do:

• Keep to the point
• Highlight achievements and successes, rather than tasks and duties
• State your reason for leaving in a section beneath each particular job and ensure the reason is positive e.g. to progress my career

• Stick to two pages only

Don’t:

• Leave out important information, such breaks in employment history and your contact details
• Make spelling mistakes – get a friend to check it over

• Add too much detail about your interests, personal hobbies and preferences

Writing your CV

If you need help with layout and design, you can use these CV templates as a starting point.

Alternatively use our automatic CV writer. Just complete the form, click submit and your CV will be sent to your email address in PDF format.

And finally, once you have your CV you can register it online.

Last edited: 11th September 2015