Writing a better CV

Further Information 1 Write a better CV 2 How many pages? 3 More than one version? 4 How do I structure it? 5 Mechanics 6 Ten things NOT to do 7 Download sample CV

Part 1

The object of your CV is to make sure that you secure an interview of your choice. It also serves as a prompting tool during the interview.

• A CV in the commercial world needs to do the business quickly and to the point - but you need depth too. Sure, it must be possible to skim over the document to get a flavour - but it must also be possible to read into some detail.

Did you know that around 80% of CVs, don't do the job of conveying exactly what roles the candidate is suitable for? Take a long hard look at your CV and turn it into a document that works. Make sure that it says exactly what you do on the tin.

Are capable of more than one role in industry? Have 2 x CVs! Don't lie, but be specific on your CV. One CV could be for your technical skills and one CV for your management experience. Apply for roles with the most appropriate CV.

Tell the story from today - and go backwards. This is reverse chronological order. Use employer names, dates and the functional title that you accomplished along with the skills, methods and skills you utilised. You may have been called the "Global Administaration Manager", but if your job was actually doing Sales Support for a single branch, 20-man business - make up a title that's appropriate.

Structure your CV with plenty of white space. Don't use 5mm margins and tiny font sizes. Think about business documents - they have plenty of headings, bullet points and white space. Copy what works.

If you have any doubts, check out our sample CV from the download section. Use this as a template.

Good luck!