CV's

CV is short for the Latin term "curriculum vitae" which means "the story of your life". A CV is an outline of your education and experience. Its purpose is to get you an interview.

What is it for?

Your CV is your own personal marketing tool. It gives you the chance to 'sell' your skills and experiences to the potential employer. You should use it to emphasize your strong points - to make your application stand out. Your aim is to get the employer to interview you.

Employers use CV's to decide whom to interview, or CV's may be sorted to decide whom not to interview. Employers might throw out all the untidy CV's. Presentation is very important.

You will not know exactly what the employer is looking for. However, by preparing a well-presented CV containing information that supports your application in the most positive way, you give yourself the best chance of getting the all-important interview.

CV's can also set the agenda for interviews and will have a strong influence on what will be discussed. Therefore, it is vital to remember that you are likely to be questioned on any information in your CV.

Deciding what to put on your CV

It is important to write a positive CV. You will be able to do this whatever your age or experience. Highlight all your positive experiences, hobbies, sports, work experience including part time jobs, voluntary or community work, helping people as well as your qualifications. 

If answering a job advertisement, read it very carefully and list the job requirements - job title, experience, skills, qualifications.

List the best examples of how you meet these requirements. It is important that this information goes into your CV. Emphasize the most relevant of your duties, responsibilities, employment skills, achievements, qualifications, so that the employer can clearly see your suitability for the job.

In particular, school leavers and students will need to show examples of commitment and dedication through stressing achievements in sports and hobbies, activities (work related or otherwise) and certainly where you have gained a position of leadership or were part of a team that competed for or achieved national or international honours.  

Covering Letters

When you send a CV  you must also send a Covering Letter. Covering letters must be written for specific jobs or organisations.