Writing a CV | Information on how to write your CV

Guidelines on writing your CV

If you’re looking for a new job, the first step you need to take is to get your CV in order.

Cpl’s recruitment consultants recommend that you first go through the following guidelines:

Make sure the information on your CV is clearly laid out. Keep the format/style (type size, font, size of headings, use of italics, etc) consistent throughout.
Use a suitable font size and ensure there is enough white spacing so that the CV does not look cluttered.
Each section should be clearly headed and generally all headings should be in bold.
Keep your CV informative and concise – 2 to 3 pages usually suffices.
Use bullet points – they make your CV easier to read than large paragraphs of text (but don’t overuse them).
Check spelling and grammar for accuracy. Some mistakes may not be detected with a spell-check, so get at least two people to proofread your CV before sending it to a recruitment consultant.

Include your contact details: phone number, postal address and email address.
Use a sensible email address. Set up a new one for job applications if your normal email address isn’t suitable. You need to represent yourself in the most professional way possible.
List each job in chronological order, beginning with your most recent position.
Concentrate on the details of your two most recent jobs (unless you were only there for a short time). These are the ones employers are most interested in.
Treat internal promotion in each position as a new job and record the dates separately. List your job title and the start and finish date of each position.
In each role, set out your main responsibilities, duties and skills that could be transferred to another employer.
Include your level of responsibility (if any), such as number of staff reporting to you.
List your 2 or 3 most important work achievements in each position.
Use action words (strong verbs) to describe your responsibilities and achievements – eg, managed, surpassed, established, implemented).