The most difficult hurdle for any job seeker is achieving an interview - and the key to getting an interview is a comprehensive, concise and eye catching CV. There may be tens or even hundreds of applicants and your CV must grab the reader’s attention instantly and create a strongly positive impression if your job application is to survive the first sifting. Using a simple, logical format will help you achieve this.
However, there is no ideal CV format to meet every situation. The most appropriate layout and sequence may vary according to:
- The stage of your career.
- The type of job or employment sector.
- The level of responsibility.
Some employers or agencies may have their own preferred format. If not, a simple, logical format like the one below can be adapted to most situations.
Keep your information factual, scrupulously accurate and as concise as possible. Ideally you should be able to cover all the necessary information in 2 sides of A4.
In your application, it’s important to convey your enthusiasm for the job and the particular characteristics, qualities or experience which most fit your for it. This is usually best included in the covering letter to avoid cluttering the CV itself. However, some people prefer to include it as a (succinct) lead paragraph to the CV. The wording and tone of the job announcement may give you a lead.
Finally, check and recheck for spelling or typing errors. Such errors can completely undermine an otherwise good CV.
Sample CV Template
_____________________________________________________________________________
JONATHAN (JON) SMITH (Your name)
(Head the CV with your full name in bold upper case, with the name you prefer to be called by in brackets if appropriate)
CONTACT DETAILS
Full address.
Fixed line and mobile telephone numbers.
Email address.
CURRENT APPOINTMENT (Dates held).
Job title and company or organisation.
Responsibilities
ACHIEVEMENTS
List comprehensively but concisely your achievements in this appointment, supported whenever possible by numbers, laid out as bullet points.
Lead with and emphasise those particularly relevant to the job you’re applying for.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
List your previous jobs, with dates, one paragraph for each, starting with the most recent. In each case give a brief summary of your responsibilities, and main achievements relevant to the current application.
Keep these paragraphs as short as possible, with progressively less detail for the older appointments unless these are more relevant than more recent once to the current application.
If you have a long career and a number of different appointments behind you group the older appointments into a single, collective summary.
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS
Degree qualifications.
Professional and specialist qualifications, diplomas etc (list these ahead of degrees .
GCSEs and secondary educational qualifications (omit these if you have a degree unless they are particularly relevant).
Other relevant skills, eg languages spoken.
(optional). (optional)(and immigration status if appropriate.)List briefly your main interests and hobbies, with any notable achievements, and leading with anything relevant to the current application.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Date of birth.
Marital Status
Health.
Nationality.
Interests.
REFERENCES
List the names and appointments of 2 or 3 people who have good knowledge of your recent career.
You may request that they should only be approached if your application is successful.
Always obtain their permission in advance of any contact.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Conclusion
A comprehensive but concise CV which stands out from the pile is the key tool in winning a job interview. A simple format like the one shown above can help you achieve this in most situations. Alternatively, you may prefer to use a CV format designed for a specific career stage, or for a specific work area. For example, a different format would be appropriate when applying for a first job after university graduation.
Finally, make sure you seize the opportunity that a succesful CV wins by preparing for the job interview.
Tony Allen - In 2004 I began my "fourth career" as a freelance writer. In my first career, after training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, I ...
