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CV Writing - The Do's and Don'ts of writing your own CV
DO
- Use standard font types that are easy to read. Steer clear of condensed or script fonts
- Use a letter size of no less than 11 or 12
- Print your CV to check that it fits nicely onto A4 paper and does not lose formatting when printed
- Format your CV so that it is atheistically pleasing and will attract the initial attention of the reader
- Use a professionally designed template if necessary
- List your career and education from the most recent first and then work backwards
- Use short and punchy sentences that are not difficult to read but will eloquently portray your key achievements and confidence
- Think carefully about your achievements in each position and try to include the ones that are specifically relevant to your industry / the industry you are applying to work in
- Portray what you have to offer the employer
Take ownership of your CV, this is your marketing material and maybe the only chance you have to sell yourself
- Include a very short section on your external interests (this shows you have a life outside of work)
- Make sure that your email address is professional and doesn't give the wrong impression of you
- Check, double check and triple check your spelling, grammar and punctuation
- Make sure that the language on your PC is set to English UK and not English US (unless you are applying for a job in the US)
- Be factual. Don't lie
- Explain gaps in employment in a way that will reassure or add value to your CV
- Keep your CV to a maximum of 2 full pages if possible
- Keep industry jargon to a minimum
- Use power verbs such as 'implemented', 'achieved', 'developed', 'directed'
- Target your CV if you are applying for a particular position
- Ask someone else to read your CV and offer constructive feedback
- Invest in good quality paper if printing your CV and posting your application
- Include a cover letter to introduce yourself to the employer
DON'T
- Include a photograph unless you are applying for a job in the modelling or acting profession
- Include unnecessary personal information such as the names of your spouse or children, your religion, your home owner status etc
- Rely on your spell checker, always double check grammar and spelling, especially words such as 'their' and 'there', 'whether' and 'weather'
- Include your reasons for leaving your past jobs or be unprofessional in any way about your past employers
- Include your referees , only provide these if they are requested
- Include anything that looks misleading i.e. a degree without mentioning your grade or where you studied
- Try to include humour or sarcasm as this can be especially irritating
- Include anything negative
- Provide too much information on employment more than 10 years ago
- Use the first person, 'I' or 'me'. This is too informal and can seem arrogant
- Describe yourself as if you were someone else, i.e. 'John is a strong negotiator'
- Mention your salary , past or present
ConceptCV - www.conceptcv.co.uk
