Useful Tips

CV Tips

The purpose of your CV is to secure an interview. Research shows that the initial review of your CV will take between two and three minutes and so it is essential that it is well presented, easy to read and focuses on your key experience and achievements. Ensure that your CV is well formatted on screen as well as on paper.

Core Sections of a Well-Laid-Out CV

Personal Information

• Full name
• Contact details – include telephone and email
• Work permit requirements (if any)
• Language capability (written and spoken). Do not exaggerate your fluency as you may be tested at interview
• Notice period / availability

Qualifications/Education

• University Degree
• Post graduate qualifications
• Name of establishment
• Year of graduation
• Professional qualifications and year achieved
• Date and jurisdiction of admission

Employment History

• Set out your employment history in reverse chronological order with relevant dates and a list of your experience and responsibilities. Use bullet points where possible.
• Include the month and year for each period of employment together with the relevant job title.
• Detail your experience under each employer including type of matters worked on (naming clients where possible) and your specific responsibilities
• Do not leave out any period of employment as this may prove difficult to explain at interview

Interests

This section should be no longer than one or two lines. Only include interests that you are happy to discuss in detail at interview.