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How to compile a CV - from Lister Charles

You can't look for a job without a well-written, well-presented CV.

Remember the saying "you only get one chance to make a first impression".

How to write a CV

Your CV is a vital tool in your search for a new job - properly prepared, your CV can be the deciding factor in getting an interview - and the interviewer will have formed a number of opinions about you before meeting you, simply based on the content of your CV.

Your CV is a personal account of your career and achievements and some experts say that a well-prepared CV should embarrass you - no one likes blowing their own trumpet too much!

If you are applying to a specific advert, try and make your application as relevant as possible to the content of the advert. Where possible, find out about the company's background and the criteria they use to appoint people (alternatively, ask one of our consultants! - link to Contact Us).

Your CV must contain basic personal details - your full name, as many contact details as possible, including address, phone and mobile numbers, email address and fax. It is also helpful to advise an employer about your marital status, nationality and date of birth, although these are not essential, they add character to your CV.

Education - Start with your most recent and relevant qualifications and any work based courses you have attended. Include your GCSEs, A Levels, Diplomas and Degrees

Additional information - if you speak any languages or have specific skills which are relevant to the job, include these they might be IT skills, or specific project based experience which will make your application all the more relevant.

Work experience - the largest part of your CV should be written using positive language, highlighting your achievements, rather than your responsibilities. Start with your most recent employer and highlight your job title and the dates you performed the role. Try and make your career history interesting without being too anecdotal. It is also vital that you tell the truth - even exaggerated facts might be viewed unfavourably if a future employer discovers that you have been "economical with the truth". Where relevant, stress the impact you had on sales, profitability, team management etc.

References - are an emotive issue. It is illegal to give you a bad reference, either verbal or written, so ensure that your referees are relevant and have a clear understanding of your abilities and experience always advise your referees that you are including them on your CV.

Hobbies - say a lot about you, you don't have to include them but they can be pivotal to a good interview - if you are fanatical about rugby and your interviewer shares that passion, it could be the key factor is choosing you over another candidate.

Article courtesy of recruitment consultants Lister Charles