Writing a CV

Writing a CV is not an exact science, and opinions differ about the best approach. A CV is a tool to get you an interview. Plan it carefully, make it brief, focused, dynamic, clearly laid out and easy to understand and relevant to the position you are targeting. This will increase your chances of an interview.

The following points offer a guide only to help you construct a draft CV:

	Always do a spell check, grammar check etc
	Make it brief - two sides of A4 is normally sufficient
	Talk in terms of what you have achieved
	Don't put in salary figures
	Use positive words - managed, designed, planned, created, directed, supervised, built, negotiated.... Don't say "My responsibilities included… " or " I was involved in.." Be specific
	Don't leave gaps in your experience
	Put your data of birth rather than age
	Describe your experience in chronological order
	Give more space to recent experience and reduce this as your experience dates
	Use good quality paper
	Always include a covering letter

Writing a Cover Letter

Your letter should be in the following format:

	Your name, address and phone number/s
	The date
	The name and address of the person and the firm you are writing to
	The salutation, i.e. Dear ....

The Heading

The reason for the letter i.e., the title of the job you are applying for

The Content

	Use bullet points to highlight how you meet their criteria and have applied the skills they refer to in the ad
	Add skills or personal attributes you have that are relevant to the post applied for
	Politely ask to be invited to an interview
	Sign off "Yours sincerely"

Interview Advice

Prepare carefully, Re-read the job description and any other information you have about the post and the organization. Take some time to prepare some questions and think about maybe what questions you may be asked yourself.

Be early, Be organized, Be neat and Be positive.