The Curriculum Vitae (CV)		Back to Previous Page
What is a CV ?			Below are some examples to give you some ideas   CV Example 1 » CV Example 2 »

A Curriculum Vitae is a record of your personal details, qualifications, employment, hobbies, etc.  Curriculum Vitae actually means personal history or life story!  CVs are used mainly when applying for jobs, to send direct to an employer, to provide information when filling in application forms and to use when preparing for interviews.

	How do I write a CV ?
	The exact content, length, style of presentation are up to you! Everyone has their own opinion and different people will give different advice. However, there are certain guidelines that should be followed.
	•  (A)	Style of Presentation A CV should be typed on white A4 paper. The information should be set out clearly so that it is easy to read and logical. Try to use positive words and avoid slang terms or abbreviations. Mark each section with a section heading and ask a friend or relative to check the grammar and spelling.
	•  (B)	Length The length of your CV will depend on your personal history. There is no set length but it should be as concise as possible. Keep it brief - but not too brief.
	•  (C)	What should I include? It should contain basic personal details, a description of your qualifications, education, training and employment experience (all with dates).  There should be a section on your hobbies and interests to give a broader picture of yourself. Finally you should name two referees; people who can tell a potential employer about your suitability for a particular job. Referees are usually people that hold positions of responsibility, such as a current or former employer.
	•  (D)	How do you put together a CV? Many people find this a difficult thing to do, but there are some tips that might help. You can start by putting together a basic databank of information on yourself eg. personal details, educational history and employment history with dates. Once you have these basic facts you have a framework to build your CV around. Think about what attributes you have which make you well suited to the job. Think about what skills you intend to 'sell' with the CV. Different positions may require different versions of your CV. Looking at job descriptions, job advertisements and careers information can give you ideas on what skills and experience an employer might feel is relevant. Remember to present yourself in the best possible light.