HOW TO CREATE YOUR CV

WHAT IS A CV?

Curriculum Vitae: an outline of a person's educational and professional history, usually prepared for job applications . Another name for a CV is a résumé.

A CV is a marketing document in which you are marketing something: yourself! You need to "sell" your skills, abilities, qualifications and experience to employers. It can be used to make multiple applications to employers in a specific career area.

There is no "one best way" to construct a CV; it’s your document and can be structured as you wish within a basic rules.

MOST IMPORTANT ASPECTS ON CVS:

One survey of employers found that the following aspects were most looked for:

(From 2010 Orange County Resume Survey, by Eric Hilden)

TIPSIf your CV is in EUROPASS format and you are applying for work in Ireland, this is outdated. Personalized CVs or the traditional format are most appreciated.Depending on the amount of relevant information you wish to demonstrate, keep your CV at 2 pages long max. If you have a lot of valuable content, then there are a few things you can do to cut it short:

Keep the margins narrow. Keep the font between a 10-12 sizes. Use tables if lists are too long For titles use the Bold function instead of

making the font larger.

Previous related work experience 45%

Qualifications & skills 35%

Easy to read 25%

Accomplishments 16%

Spelling & grammar 14%

Education (these weren’t just graduate recruiters or this score would be much higher)

9%

Intangibles (individuality/desire to succeed) 9%

Clear objective 3%

Keywords added 2%

Contact information 1%

Personal experiences 1%

Computer skills 1%

The answer to the question 'which format should I use?' is the format that suits your aims and draw attention to your strengths. Think of yourself as the product, now SELL!

Different CV formats contain mainly the same information but in a different way, in different sections and in a different order.

Small changes on your CV will help when employers have hundreds CVs to look and valuate. Often selectors read CVs outside working hours. They may have a pile of 50 CVs from which to select five interviewees.

If your CV is hard work to read: unclear, badly laid out and containing irrelevant information, they will just move on to the next CV.

CV FORMATS:

BAD CVS VS GOOD CVS

David BoyleThe Road, The Town, The Country

+123- 4-567890 Dboyle (Skype) d.boyle@gmail.com

Curriculum Vitae

Photo

Address: The Road, The Town, The CountryTel: +123- 4-567890

Email: coolguy007@hotmail.co.ukDoB: 25 March 1991Nationality: British

Gender: MaleMarital-status: Single

Full name in large, bold letters and centered on the page (not Curriculum Vitae or CV as it can be derived from the document itself that it is a CV);

You don’t need to put your Date of Birth, Photograph, Gender, Marital Status or Nationality;

Email should be professional (e.g. first and last name) funny names might not make the best impression. Skype is also a good contact;

No need prefixes like ‘Address’, ‘Tel’, or ‘Email’ (unless it improves presentation).

I am a hard-working individual who enjoys working. I am excellent at meeting deadlines. I have two years of experience in business and I would like to contribute to a business with my excellent skills and past work experience.

Personal Profile StatementA motivated, adaptable and responsible Computing graduate seeking a position in an IT position which will utilize the professional and technical skills developed through past work experiences in this field. I have a methodical, customer-focused approach to work and a strong drive to see things through to completion.

Personal details

It should only be a few lines and must grab the reader's attention. You should highlight:relevant, specific skills & qualitieswork background career aims

Avoid vague statements that are not specific enough to carry any weight or meaning;

All sections of a CV, excluding the personal details, should be appropriately labeled.

Personal Profile Statement

BAD CVS VS GOOD CVSThe entries of this section need to be on chronological order (i.e. most recent first);

Start with your most recent qualifications and work backwards.

Omit irrelevant and outdated education;

State grade/qualification achieved;

Expand on important education (e.g. degree) and list some of the relevant modules;

Don’t forget: maintain the same structure and format throughout your CV!

Employment and Work History

2011 – Present IT Support Assistant ABC Electronics Ltd.2008 – 2011 IT Admin Dana Corporation2006 – 2008 IT Assistant M&M Electric Vehicles Ltd.2005 Cleaner K Lacey Ltd.2003 – 2005 Housekeeper Plaza Hotel2002 Packer Packaging Products Ltd.2000 – 2001 Cleaner TB Group Inc.

Employment historyJun 2008 – Present IT Manager MaplinsMentoring and training new IT staff;Researching, installing and configuring new computer systems;Ensuring that all relevant licensing laws are adhered to;Keeping up to date with the latest technologies.Oct 2003 – Jun 2008 IT Support Officer Ladypool Warehouse Ltd.Provided extensive IT support to internal and external stakeholders;Installed and configured computer hardware operating systems and applications;Monitored and maintained computer systems and networks;Resolved, diagnosed and solved network problems and relevant software faults.Jan 1999 – Sept 2003 IT Admin West London CouncilProduced Requirements Documentation (diagrams and workflow);Maintained the computer network and information systems.1996 – 1999 Various jobs Retail (sectors)

Education

For each entry the following is required: name of the company worked in, start and end dates (month/year format), job title and main tasks performed;

Omit irrelevant or otherwise insignificant work experience;

Do not use many jargon or technical terms many readers will not understand;

The presentation of the information (i.e. layout) is equally important as the content!

Employment and Work History

Education and qualifications

1991 – 1992 Collingham Gardens Nursery1992 – 1996 Stamford Primary School1996 – 2002 Hall Green Secondary School2002 – 2004 A-Levels Sandwell Sixth Form College

English: A* Mathematics: C Biology: B Geography: A Business: C

October 2004 – June 2007 UCB, Birmingham BSc Psychology

Education and Training2009 – 2013 BSc Computer Science (Hons) Aston University

• 1st Class Degree with Professional Placement

Relevant Modules:

Professional and Social Aspects of Computing (73%) Data Modelling and Database Systems (59%) Understanding Information Systems (93%) Information Security (67%) Human-Computer Interaction (80%)

2007 – 2009 BTEC National Diploma in IT Hall Green College

• Grade Achieved: Triple Distinction*

2000 – 2007 Bournville Secondary School

• 8 GCSEs at grades A*–C.

What should come first: education or career?Some people defend Education other defend Career. Everything depends on your background. If you would have been better academic qualifications than professionals (since started working recently) you should start by mentioning the Education. If you are a professional with a good career, whose experience is relevant, you should start by mentioning the Experience.

BAD CVS VS GOOD CVSDo not mention any irrelevant hobbies on your CV that do not add additional value to your application;

Do not disclose political or religious affiliations;

Avoid listing too many hobbies; when will you have time to focus on the job?

In the second example, they mean almost the same, but the Bad example, suggests a solitary individual who doesn't get on with other people. The Good example, the impression is completely the opposite: an outgoing proactive individual who helps others.

ReferencesMr EvanTescoBirmingham, West Midlands, B55 1KE, United Kingdom, Europe, World, Universe.Tel: 012 4321 0000E-mail: evan.sanders82@hotmail.com

References

Mrs Saima KhanSales ManagerFlash Electronics Ltd.Address: X Road, Postling, LX21 4RDTel: 012 345 6789Email: khan.s@flashelectronics.com

Hobbies and interests

The referee’s name needs to be mentioned in full;

Include the position that the referee holds in the company;

Do not disclose anyone’s private contact details on your CV except with permission.

Include at least 2 references otherwise “Provide references upon request”.

References

HobbiesI enjoy skiing, hiking, playing football, bird-watching and going to Church on Sundays.

Hobbies and InterestsI enjoy reading non-fiction books, solving puzzles and socializing with friends and family.

Hobbies and InterestsCinema: member of the University Film-Making SocietyTravel: travelled through Europe by train this summer in a group of four people, visiting historic sites and practicing my French and ItalianReading: helped younger pupils with reading difficulties at school.

or

Hobbies and InterestsReading, cinema, stamp-collecting, playing computer games

or

Curriculum Vitae

I am a hard-working individual who enjoys working. I am excellent at meeting deadlines. I have two years of experience in business and I would like to contribute to a business with my excellent skills and past work experience.

Education and qualifications1991 – 1992 Collingham Gardens Nursery1992 – 1996 Stamford Primary Schol1996 – 2002 Hall Green Secondary School2002 – 2004 A-Levels Sandwell Sixth Form College English: A* Geography: A Mathematics: C Business: C Biology: BOctober 2004 – June 2007 UCB, Birmingham BSc Psychology

Employment and Work History2011 – Present IT Support Assistant ABC Electronics Ltd.2008 – 2011 IT Admin Dana Corporation2006 – 2008 IT Assistant M&M Electric Vehicles Ltd.2003 – 2005 Housekeeper Plaza Hotel2002 Packer Packaging Products Ltd.2000 – 2001 Cleaner TB Group Inc.

HobbiesI enjoy skiing, hiking, playing football, bird-watching and going to Church on Sundays.

ReferencesMr EvanTescoBirmingham, West Midlands, B55 1KE, United Kingdom, Europe, World, Universe.Tel: 012 4321 0000E-mail: evan.sanders82@hotmail.com

Photo

Address: The Road, The Town, The CountryTel: +123- 4-567890

Email: coolguy007@hotmail.co.ukDoB: 25 March 1991Nationality: British

Gender: MaleMarital-status: Single

EXAMPLES

David BoyleThe Road, The Town, The Country

+123- 4-567890 Dboyle (Skype) d.boyle@gmail.com

PERSONAL PROFILE STATEMENT

A motivated, adaptable and responsible Computing graduate seeking a position in an IT position which will utilize the professional and technical skills developed through past work experiences in this field. I have a methodical, customer-focused approach to work and a strong drive to see things through to completion.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Jun 2008 – Present IT Manager MaplinsMentoring and training new IT staff;Researching, installing and configuring new computer systems;Ensuring that all relevant licensing laws are adhered to;Keeping up to date with the latest technologies.

Oct 2003 – Jun 2008 IT Support Officer Flash Electronics Ltd.Provided extensive IT support to internal and external stakeholders;Installed and configured computer hardware operating systems and applications;Monitored and maintained computer systems and networks;Resolved, diagnosed and solved network problems and relevant software faults.

Jan 1999 – Sept 2003 IT Admin West London CouncilProduced Requirements Documentation (diagrams and workflow);Maintained the computer network and information systems.

1996 – 1999 Various jobs Retail (sectors)

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EDUCATION AND TRAINING

2009 – 2013 BSc Computer Science (Hons) Aston University• 1st Class Degree with Professional PlacementRelevant Modules: Professional and Social Aspects of Computing (73%) Data Modelling and Database Systems (59%) Understanding Information Systems (93%) Information Security (67%) Human-Computer Interaction (80%)

2007 – 2009 BTEC National Diploma in IT Hall Green College• Grade Achieved: Triple Distinction*

2000 – 2007 Bournville Secondary School• 8 GCSEs at grades A*–C.

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS

Cinema: member of the University Film-Making SocietyTravel: travelled through Europe by train this summer in a group of four people, visiting historic sites and practicing my French and ItalianReading: helped younger pupils with reading difficulties at school.

REFERENCES

Mrs Saima KhanSales ManagerFlash Electronics Ltd.Address: X Road, Postling, LX21 4RDTel: 012 345 6789Email: khan.s@flashelectronics.com

Dr Allen WatsonPrincipleAston UniversityAddress: Aston University, Santa MonicaTel: 098 765 4321Email: a_watson@aston.com

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