Too many job seekers regard their CV as a slightly tedious document which needs to exist just because it forms part of the recruitment process. Often, the laborious chore of compiling it has been completed in the distant past and filed away, ready to be produced at short notice with a few minor updates when a new career opportunity is being sought.

This is of course entirely the wrong approach. Most successful job seekers realised a long time ago that a really good CV is a powerful personal selling document that can be used to showcase skills and abilities to good effect, creating a favourable first impression on a potential employer.

Employers read numerous CVs and it is important to realise there is only a small window of opportunity to attract attention. Structure it correctly and it will help secure the interview you are seeking. Conversely, a poorly put together CV increases the chances of rejection exponentially.

There is probably not a single format that constitutes the "perfect CV", but if you follow the guidelines below you will have created a "good CV" which will work for you during the recruitment process.

Format

Keep the layout simple with plenty of white space. Use a plain, readable typeface such as Arial or Calibri, printed black on high quality white A4 paper. Information should be written in clear concise language and presented in a bulleted format with headings in bold and clearly defined sections. The entire document should not exceed two pages.

Always take the time to proof read the document to eliminate spelling and grammatical errors. Make sure you use the spell checking programme on your PC/MAC which should highlight any such issues.

Structure

Although your CV should be tailored in terms of emphasis for each job application, it should always be constructed as follows:-

• Name and Contact Details
• Personal Profile (very important)
• Qualifications, Training and Skills (summary)
• Career History (reverse chronological order)
• Education (reverse chronological order)
• Personal Details
• Interests and Hobbies
• Referees

The content in each of the sections should be along the following lines:-

Name and Contact details

Include your name, address, telephone number, mobile number and email address.

Personal Profile

This is an absolutely crucial section as it represents the single best opportunity to attract the attention of the reader. In a short paragraph, you should explain what you are, what you do and what you are looking to do.

Under the heading "Key Achievements": list 5 key achievements in bullet point format, from your career to date, that have relevance to the role you are applying for.

The content in this section should be carefully crafted on a job by job basis to highlight and emphasise a clear match between your skills and the job specification. Clearly demonstrate how your attributes coincide with the job requirements. Emphasise relevant strengths and eliminate details that have no relevance to the position. Use similar key words to those used in the job description to create a link in the mind of the reader.

If it is relevant to the job you are applying for, make reference to any foreign language skills you may have.

Qualifications, Training and Skills

A short bullet pointed list to inform the reader of qualifications and relevant training and capabilities (including any foreign language skills).

Career History

This should constitute a complete list of your employment history to date in reverse chronological order with no unexplained gaps. List job titles held, name of the employer, a short description of the company and the dates you worked there.

Detail key responsibilities and highlight skills and accomplishments for each role. Illustrate how you have contributed to organisations you have worked for using action words to emphasise how you saved money, exceeded targets, solved problems, etc and where possible quantify how you added value with numbers and/or percentages.

There is no need to include salary details or the reasons for leaving past employment on your CV although you may well be asked about these during an interview.

Education

Again, in reverse chronological order, list the relevant education and training you have undertaken, giving dates of attendance. Provide details of qualifications obtained (you may choose to list grades achieved, although this is not compulsory).

Personal Details

Not a compulsory section but if included should be along the lines of Marital Status, Date of Birth (optional), Nationality, Full Driving Licence (Y/N).

Interest and Hobbies

Employers are also interested in what you do in your spare time, so a brief description of your hobbies and out of work interests should be included. If you have been a leader of a group or captain of a sports team mention this as it emphasises leadership qualities.

Referees

A CV normally ends with the heading Referees. Provide details of two specific referees or simply state they are available on request.

Compelling Reading

The overall tone should be enthusiastic, upbeat and professional. Present accomplishments honestly but confidently using high impact words which will help them stand out and make your CV more compelling.

SRGEurope consultants are happy to read over and provide CV presentation advice to all our candidates.