A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a short description of where you went to school, where you’ve worked and your skills and
qualifications. It gives an employer a sense of what you can do and what work experience you have.
Employers decide who to interview based on the CVs they receive for each job application.
A CV should be short and to the point.
It should include:
Personal information including surname; first names; date of birth and your country of birth; identity number; sex; marital status; state of your health; driver’s licence; home address and contact numbers.
Educational history i.e. colleges/ universities attended and successfully completed courses.
Languages you are able to speak and write and how well.
Computer skills.
Present position and employer (if you are employed), and periods of employment.
Employment history (if you have been employed, including part-time jobs and volunteer work).
Basic skills and personal characteristics.
Awards received and leadership positions held.
Personal character references.
These references should be credible and a reliable source of truthful information regarding your work ethics and credibility.
Always check in with these references before your interview to make sure that their contact details are still valid, and that they are still available to stand as a personal reference for you.
Change your CV to meet the needs of the specific job for which you are applying.
Emphasise certain skills more than others, or highlight particular experiences more than others dependent on the particular job application.
Always include a cover letter when you send your CV. The cover letter should be three to four paragraphs long, and highlight your suitability for the job.
Before you send off your CV and cover letter, proofread it. Then proofread it again.
And good luck!
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