CV Compare tool

CV 1 – Applying for your first job

While many employers will ask you to complete an application form, an effective CV is yourpersonal sales tool. It will make the difference between securing an interview or not.. Although all job seekers are selling their potential as future employees, this is no more so than when looking your first job.

  1. Personal details
    Include name, address, and telephone number, email address. (brief description)
  2. Education
    Start with full details of your educational record including secondary, college and University if appropriate.
  3. Achievements
    Summarise your relevant achievements
  4. Career objective
    Include a career objective if decided
  5. Work experience/training
    Describe any relevant work experience/skills

CV 2 – Changing jobs mid-career

If you have been working for a while then your CV has become your most important career document. It is the brochure which must reflect all the commitment you have made to your career and the achievements which now make you marketable.

  1. Personal details
    Include name, address, telephone number, email address
  2. Summary of current role
    Start with a detailed account of your current employment
  3. Achievements
    Give a full list of all your significant achievements
  4. Career summary
    Summarise your previous employment and roles in chronological order, finishing with your most recent role.
  5. Education and professional qualifications
    End with any other relevant personal or educational details

CV 3 - Looking for a change of direction

There was a time when a job or career was for life. . Employers increasingly value experience and skills gained outside their own sector. Your CV needs to clearly demonstrate the skills you possess which can be transferred a new area.

  1. Personal details
    Include name, address, telephone number, email address
  2. Career objective
    Include your career objective if you have one
  3. Career history
    Give a summary of your relevant employment history
  4. Education and professional qualifications
    List relevant and recent education and courses, starting with most recent.

CV 4 - Returning to work

There is no doubt that the world of work changes fast. So it is not surprising that many people planning to return to work after a career break are apprehensive about whether their skills are still relevant or in demand.

  1. Personal details
    Include name, address, telephone number, email address
  2. Profile
    Start with a profile of your experience and goals
  3. Career review
    List the transferable skills acquired during your career
  4. Education and professional qualifications
    give details of your education and qualifications
  5. Achievements and experience
    Finally, list your achievements and relevant experience.

There are lots of tips to bear in mind when creating a good CV. Here are a few:

  • Leave plenty of time to write your CV to give it maximum impact
  • Regularly update your CV, taking away as much as you add
  • Don’t include any qualifications that you don’t have: you may regret it at interview
  • Keep your CV succinct and easy to read
  • Thoroughly check for grammar and spelling. Get a friend to read it through for you.