* Use a font (that is the type of typeface) that
is easy to read. This font is Arial; others that are good are
Courier (a bit out-dated nowadays), Helvetica and Times New
Roman. Research suggests, for documents such as CV’s, these are
the easiest fonts to read.
* You don't have to write " Curriculum
Vitae" at the top of your CV. It's pretty obvious what it is!
However, most people do, but…it is up to you.
* If you have restrictions on location, this is
worth including. It can save an awful lot of wasted time.
* If you have special terms on your notice
period, a potential employer should be made aware of it. I have
had situations where offers have been made, only to find the
candidate is on a three month notice period!This resulted in the
withdrawal of an offer.
* If you are looking to make a change of
direction, this should be noted, either on the CV front page, or
in the covering letter.
*
Sorry
about this one, it may upset some of you, but don't mention
religion on your CV, or membership of any organisations that may
indicate your religious persuasion. Please don't think I am
telling you to hide things, because I'm not, but religion is an
emotive subject. As we all know, officially, it is illegal to
discriminate (on any grounds), but very occasionally it does go
on and surprisingly religion is one area that people are very
emotional about.
* Keep your sentences short and to the point.
* Always keep the tone of your CV
straightforward. This is not the place for quips or funny
comments.
* Keep personal statements about your point of
view out of your CV.
* Keep politics out of your CV. It is another
emotive subject, the same as religion. Again, why get rejected
because the first person to pick up your CV is of a different
political persuasion. (They’re all only different shades of grey
nowadays anyway – a good example of the sort of statement NOT to
put on your CV!)
* Always check that your CV is free from any
spelling or typographical errors. They will be seen as a
major negative. Yes, I can see you all up until three in
the morning trying to find one on this site now I've said that!
Please, please, please don't write and tell me if you find one
though. There are nearly a hundred pages in all! You only have
to write three or four on your CV, it needs to be right.
Make sure it is! Just in case you missed that
MAKE SURE IT IS RIGHT!
* Ensure your CV looks good (layout,
presentation etc).
* Make it easy to understand.
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