Key Questions To Ask Yourself
 

• Have you had your CV critiqued by someone whose opinion you value and trust?
• Is your CV easy to read and follow at first glance?
• Does the first page contain current employment information?
• Are all dates of employment clear and visible at a glance?
• Have you explained any gaps in your employment history?
• Have you described briefly your role and responsibilities, using bullett points rather than a paragraph of narrative?
• Have you included your key achievements for each role?

 

The entire document should ideally run to no more than two pages. A summary overview of roles held more than ten years ago is sufficient.

 

Personal Details
Your full name, location, telephone numbers (day and evening) and private email address. 

Employment History
List current and previous employment in chronological order. Use bullet points to illustrate key achievements  and only include a brief summary of top line responsibilities for each role.
Explain briefly any gaps between roles, including "to" and "from" dates. If you have spent less than 18 months with a company, explain briefly your reasons for leaving.

Education
Start with your most recent and relevant education first. Give brief details of higher education, particularly diplomas, certificates and degrees. It''s usually acceptable to give a brief overview of school education, but it is important to include "to" and "from'' dates. You should list only number of passes for GCSE and "A" level examinations and not list each subject individually, although passes for English and Maths are desirable for most companies, therefore you may want to confirm these separately.

Training and Specialist Skills
List training in relevant specialist skills and courses attended internally and externally. Give an indication of your PC skills and the packages you are competent in plus any language skills you may have.

Personal Interests/Activities
This section gives a potential employer an insight into you as a person. Include key activities, interests, and achievements or awards gained in the community.

References
Don''t include these on your CV. A simple statement that these are "available on request" is sufficient.