Posted By CFT
Vix

Some examples of what I would include when preparing a candidates CV;

1. Kept to two pages
2. A summary at the beginning
3. Detailed information for the last 5 years
4. Correct SPELLING & GRAMMAR
5. The truth
6. What you achieved for your previous employers
7. A cracking cover letter
8. Font size and type large enough to read without resorting to a magnifying glass.
9. Relevant information.
10. All information relevant to teh post applied for; in other words bespoke for each application.
11. Proof read once, then twice, then put to one side for 24 hours and proof read again (I bet you'll change some part of it)

Examples of poor CV's I have seen;

1. Poor spelling and grammar (just no excuse)
2. 6 + pages (zzzzzzzzz)
3. Boring and uninteresting (zzzzz)
4. Tiny writing (two lines and boredom sets in))
5. Poor continuity (yawn)
6. Including dates for qualifications when only recently achieved (just don't do it, use an interview to expand))
7. Way to much family and hobbies information (not necessary)
8. Poor cover letter (dear dear)
9. Not bespoke for the position applied for (big mistake)
10. Handwritten (oh such a no-no)
11. Don't include age (obvious reasons)

The CV is your advert, it tells someone what, where, when, how etc, you need to wet their appetite for more, get the balance right, not so much as to reveal everything and not enough to short-list for interview. Choose a quality paper and envelope, use an A4 envelope (you don't need to fold it then)and for goodness sake don't use the existing employers franking machine, put stamps on (and neatly), if you spill coffee on it, start again; if your a good looking sort then a photo 'sometimes' may help included on the CV with a mildly humorous caption (shows quality and a sense of humour, watch the age give-away though) if indeed appropriate for the job applied for.

There we are then, some random thoughts from the many CV's produced for others over the years. And no I don't offer this as a service anymore, I don't have the time.

All the best and good luck with your quest for 2009.

CFT

Posted By MR97
In people's opinion is any family / hobbies information required on a CV?

Posted By GeoffB4
In mine, yes. You need to supply an overall picture to a prospective employee and if you have a sport or hobby to mention it helps to fill out the picture.

Posted By Decimomal
CFT....spelling eh? In your first section at 10. should that be teh or the?

Seriously though, that is all sound advice.

Just to eleborate on the comment over 'bespoke', read the job advert carefully and include relevent information on where you match their requirements and NEVER say where you do not match. If you match about 75% of what the employer is after you stand a fair chance of at least getting an interview...... and that is another thread1