CV Advice
Why does a CV matter?
A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a brief synopsis of your life. It is your very first
direct contact with the person who has the power to give you the chance you want.
Always remember to include a covering letter too.
Employers receive hundreds of CVs. Yours must stand out to get you that interview.
When you get the interview your CV will be a guide for the interviewer so it
should reinforce the positive and underline your achievements. Invest time in
getting your CV right. Keep it tight – try for a maximum of 2 pages.
Should you wish S.G.L. Solutions to assist, for a small fee we will undertake
the preparation of your CV.
What to put in
Personal details
Name, contact details, date of birth, driving licence, nationality.
Qualifications and Education
Put highest first. List professional qualifications plus membership of professional associations
and then detail education. Concentrate on relevant major achievements –
Cycling Proficiency Certificates could be useful but may not be very relevant!
Training courses
List any important work related courses and detail any qualifications.
Employment History
Start with most recent job and work backwards. Give job title, outline dates,
name of company, brief job description with main responsibilities, achievements,
duties, and transferable skills. Be specific and positive. Include level of responsibility.
Major Achievements
List no fewer than 3, no more than 6 work-related achievements – what they were and how achieved.
This section really matters as it shows why a company should interview you.
Other Experience
Computer skills, languages etc.
Interests
Sports, hobbies, posts of responsibility outside work and achievements.
References
“On request” but do think who to ask.
Summary
Your reference for yourself. List major skills, qualities and achievements. Put first or last on CV.
What type of CV to write
Chronological
Traditional approach from birth to present day. Dull – boring, but conventional.
Performance
(Most usual now) Works best if staying in the same career field. Start with most recent job and work back.
Emphasise job titles, company names, duties and achievements. Highlight major achievements near the top.
Not good if you have changed jobs too often, or have few achievements to date.
Functional
Highlights main functions and achievements of your whole career. Good if for lots of
experience or looking for a change of direction. Emphasises abilities. Not ideal to
highlight promotions or successful career progression.
Targeted
Emphases achievements and abilities for a specific role or job. Useful if work
history doesn't follow a pattern of constant growth.
Alternative
Zany approach fine for creative types, but not ideal for the Financial Services industry.
