The advice we offer for writing your CV is quite simple. Well, it’s ‘keep-it-simple’, actually. When writing a CV for you next job it’s very easy to make the mistake of putting as much information (content) in there as possible with little regard for layout or presentation (context). The context, I would argue is as important as the content. In fact we really should be selling our services in terms of benefits to the employer along with some real-world examples to prove our case. This should be clear and easy to understand when reading the CV.

So how do we write a great CV?

1. Heading

The heading is the first element the reader will see.

Which sounds better? 

a) Joe Blogs MSC Biology

or

b) Lab professional with 10 years work experience

All too often, it is easy to put your name first as the heading. I prefer to use a statement which entices the reader to become interested and read more into the CV. Think of this like the headline of a news article, you want to write it so the reader is encouraged to read more.

2. Contact details and key skills

Once you have the readers attention you can advise them of your key skills and contact details, for example: 

PC skills, negotiation, sales, product development 

Joe Blogs | Joe Blogs@jobs2ireland.ie | 98 St John walk, Dublin | Mob: 45577345

So having this information at the top of the CV is a good start. You have given the reader a statement about yourself, your key skills and contact information. Now you can get into the details.

3. Work experience

I wouldn’t recommend putting your education first. Unless of-cause your education it has been gained from such a place which would get you an interview.

Highlight the title of the job and employer. List what you achieved during your employment, your responsibilities and most importantly the differences you have made. If you can, this should be in terms of profitability or cost saving.

My tip! - If you have a testimonial from your employer, try to include a quote from this somewhere in this section as it adds weight to claim.

For example: 

Sales Exec - the XYZ company

key responsibilities: Sales administration, client retention, sales training

key stats: Improved sales by 120% in 12 months, implented company systems and to reduce sales admin

“Joe Bloggs managed not only to improve our sales figures but made us more effeicient implementeding aaa sales system” - Ken Doe, Managing Director- XYZ company

4. Education

Keep it clear and concise. I tend to include a few modules that I covered which are related to the field of work I’m applying for. I also focus on extra curricular activities such as ‘chairman of the student council’ etc

5. Ensure your CV is easy to read

It sounds obvious, but you need to ensure that your CV is easy to read. Get a friend to look over the CV  and ask them to point out your key skills and attributes. These should be easy to point out. In fact, if you have followed this advice, you may even get a ‘Wow, I’d employ you!’ type of reaction!

Good Luck

This article was written by Mark K. Hollingworth and partners at oneJobworld.com Copyright 2009  for more information please visit onejobworld.com/articles.html