Are you fresh out of college and looking for a job? Or perhaps you have been applying for jobs for a while? If this is the case, it’s about time you had a look at one of the most important documents you’ll ever create, your CV.
It can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to writing your CV. With all the competition and the severe lack of jobs at the moment, this piece of paper is becoming even more significant.
To give you the best chance of creating a good CV and landing that job, Her.ie have compiled a checklist for CV writing.
1. Qualifications
While this is the most frustrating and boring part of a CV, a list of your qualifications is necessary. Include university or college degrees as well as major results that you received at school. If the job you are going for requires some subjects more than others, for example a graphic designer requires more IT then geography skills, then highlight these by listing them at the top of the section. Start with your most recent qualifications.
2. Work Experience
Depending on the job, this section can end up taking up the most space on your CV. Jobs that are experience heavy, such as journalism, require a detailed description of any work experience you have. Again start with your most recent position and work your way back. Also, try to show how you have progressed and improved through each period of work experience. Not only does work experience show a willingness to learn about and work in the field but it also highlights your enthusiasm and initiative.
3. Practical Skills
These include any skills that you feel are relevant to the particular position you have applied for. Things like skills in Microsoft Office are what should be listed here. If relevant, include any certificates or courses you have completed. For example, if you want to work in a restaurant you might want to mention a food hygiene certificate.
4. Personal Skills
It can be difficult to know whether to include these or not, but you definitely should as it shows that you are a well-rounded person. Communication and organisation skills are key to any job and ought to be included in this section. Other qualities might include leadership, teamwork and honesty. Whatever you include in this personal skills section, make sure you have examples that you can draw on in an interview situation if asked.
5. Volunteer Work
You have no idea how valuable this can be on a CV. Again it will hold more influence for certain jobs or positions but overall, volunteer work demonstrates a strong work ethic, a willingness to get involved and consideration for others. If anything it will show that you are a good person.
6. Referees
Last but not least, include at least two referees but make sure you ask their permission before you put them down. Pick people who know you and can confirm aspects of your CV. Examples of good referees are bosses in work, tutors at university and even family friends.
Whatever you do, make sure you are honest. The last thing you want is to get caught out lying on your CV. Maximise your strengths and make minor changes to your CV to suit the particular job you are applying for.
If you have any stories about CV writing or want to share your tips on how to create a great CV, then leave a comment below.
