Many jobseekers do not realise that the way their CV information is presented, can often be of more value in getting to the next stage of the application process, than the information itself.

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CV Preparation

Your CV is your sales document. It has to capture the reader's interest in the first few paragraphs. Your CV is the tool to use to get interviews. It is important to include relevant information in the early part of the document.

It is therefore important only to include relevant information, leaving the reader feeling that they should interview you to find out more. It is important to tailor your CV to suit the company that you are sending it to. i.e. small or large company. Perhaps consider re writing aspects to match your experience and achievements to the stated job content and personal profile. This can give you a clear advantage at the first hurdle. There are several opinions with regard to the style of your CV. Some people believe that yellow paper and humourous fonts in funny letters will impress/make a difference. However, this is not always the case. We here at Computeach Recruitment UK say that a conservative CV will act as a good introduction. There's plenty of time to express yourself at the interview. Do not attach pictures or large documents. If you are emailing your CV do not add links to web pages (i.e. governing bodies, examination boards, Microsoft etc) as this is drawing the reader away from YOU. You want to be the centre of attraction. However, if you have your own web page include this, if its good enough and complete.

Keep your CV to no more than two pages. More than three is almost certain death! An ideal template will include the following:-

Name, age, address etc.

Keep all forms of communication that someone may use to contact you together. We would suggest that you don't use your current employers email address as you may not want them to know you are thinking of leaving. If your name does not obviously show if you are male or female, include this.

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Profile

Be general. Avoid committed words such as Hate, Don't and Only, which are too overpowering and may make you sound inflexible. Use words such as find, enjoy, challenge. i.e. I find working on my own enjoyable, but take the challenge of teamwork in my stride. Rather than I like working on my own and only work in a team when I have to. This profile should be between three and five lines. This is a two or three sentence overview of your skills, qualities, hopes, and plans. It should encourage the employer to read the rest. You should be comfortable that this describes you honestly and "sells" your unique blend of skills and experience.

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Education

Most recent qualifications first, then finish with additional/vocational qualifications. These should be things like customer care, IT training, management training courses. Not, swimming awards, music qualifications etc unless relevant to the position you are applying for. Give places of education where you have studied - most recent education first. Include subject options taken in each year of your course. Include any special project, thesis, or dissertation work. Pre-college courses (high school, etc.) should then be included, including grades. Subjects taken and passed just before college will be of most interest. Earlier courses, taken at say age 15-16, may not need much if any detail.

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Employment

In reverse chronological order (most recent first). You should give the employers' name, job title, month and year you started/finished, and very importantly, what you actually did and achieved in that job. Part-time work should be included. If you have not had a job before include any work experience or voluntary projects. If you have periods of work through an agency, include the name of the agency and the type of work you were doing and the name of the companies you were assigned to. Be sure to cover any gaps in your career history with the truth. i.e. re-training, travel, long term illness, etc.

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Hobbies and Interests

It is important to indicate that you have a life outside of work, include any sporting activities, clubs and society memberships. Try to think what really interests you and how it will enhance your application. If possible avoid interests such as socialising, because everyone socialises. Do not mention looking after children, how many children, names etc or pets. They will be particularly interested in activities where you have leadership or responsibility, or which involve you in relating to others in a team. A one-person interest, such as stamp-collecting, may be of less interest to them, unless it connects with the work you wish to do. Give only enough detail to explain. (If you were captain of a sports team, they do not want to know the exact date you started, how many games you played, and how many wins you had! They will ask at the interview, if they are interested.) If you have published any articles, jointly or by yourself, give details. If you have been involved in any type of volunteer work, do give details.

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Skills

Ability in other languages, computing experience, or possession of a driving licence should be included.