A CV, or Curriculum Vitae, gives an employer an at-a-glance guide of who you are, what you've done and the skills you can offer. So it needs to look good, be easy to read and give a professional first impression.
It is important that you put some time and effort into your CV. Draft out the essentials and make sure all of your selling points are included! Also list your interests, hobbies and leisure activities, especially if they are relevant and show that you work and mix well with people. Make sure that everything you include is true, because you may be asked about it at interview.
There is more than one way to present your CV. The most traditional method is the 'Chronological CV.' This emphasises your experiences and career development. The main body of the CV lists the jobs you have held in chronological order.
Here is an example of a Chronological CV (pdf document), which you can download and use as a template.
If you prefer to emphasise your skills rather than your work experience and qualifications, you can opt for the Functional CV (pdf document). This style will focus on your strongest abilities, which are outlined in three or four sections. This style is becoming more popular with employers.
When you have made a draft outlining all of your details, you'll be ready to format your final CV. Use this list of tips to make sure it is the best it can be!
Tips for building your CV
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Keep it brief.
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Lay it out well. Make sure it is clearly spaced, easy to read and looks professional.
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Your personal details should be at the top: full name, address, telephone number and date of birth.
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Education comes next. This should cover details of your secondary school together with qualifications gained. Show the grades you achieved in any exam taken or the exams you intend to take.
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If you have done any training or special courses, mention these too, together with any qualifications or new skills learned.
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List any jobs you have done with the most recent first. Quote the name of the company and its address, together with a brief description of what your job involved. Don't' forget to include work experience.
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Mention any voluntary or community work that you have been involved with. Skills used here could help you get the job you want.
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Make space for hobbies or leisure interests to show you have a full, active life. Employers and tutors like to see that people have a life outside of work too. It could also demonstrate social or other skills you could bring to the job.
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List any other skills or achievements which may be useful, e.g. punctuality, good communication and organisational skills, first aid, basic typing or keyboard skills (even if they are self-taught), responsibilities in school such as reception, and special awards.