Tips for CVs

The purpose of a CV is to get you an interview. It is your chance to show the potential employer that your qualifications, skills and experience make you suitable for the job. Therefore you will need to tailor your CV to make it relevant to the job you are applying for.

On this page you will find a sample Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a Cover letter which can be downloaded and used to help you get started.

Before you send your CV check the job description and person specification if possible. Using this you can then mention and highlight in your CV the skills and qualities that the job needs, making your application relevant.

  • Layout your CV should be 2 pages max incorporating the following:
    • Name, address, phone number and email address
    • Personal Profile
    • Education & Training
    • Employment History
    • Achievements & Skills
    • Interests and Activities
    • References
  • Try to include information about any professional organizations you are a member of, any awards or prizes you have been given, any voluntary work you have done.
  • When describing employment history give skills based descriptions of duties using Action Words and not just the job title.
  • Put your name across the top – no need to write Cirriculum Vitae.
  • Type the document with a clear and easy to read layout using size 11/12 font size in Ariel, Calibri, Tahoma, Times New Roman etc.
  • Put your information under each section in reverse chronological order – most recent first.
  • Use good quality paper.
  • Ensure that the important facts are prioritized and prominent.
  • The spelling and grammar should be correct and should be checked and double checked for errors.
Sample Curriculum Vitae Download

Cover Letter Tips

  • One typed A4 page max
  • Use good quality paper like your CV
  • Check for typos and spelling/grammar mistakes
  • Use formal language but don’t go under or over board, be straightforward and clear.
  • Avoid terms like ‘quite, nearly, fairly, almost’ – Use strong positive words
  • Show you know something about the company/organisation.
  • Think about what the employer wants and how can you match it and incorporate this into your letter
  • THINK BEYOND THE ADVERT – What else can you offer them?
  • The cover letter is for highlighting and reinforcing the CV, not repeating it.
Sample Cover Letter Download