completing a cv

[baldy1926]

Hi
I've not had to have a cv for several years.
Are there any tips on how to complete one and what to include and not include
Thanks

[rog007]

Not something that can be answered easily on a forum without knowing much more about you and what industry you're in, but the principle to follow is that of an advertising brochure for your competencies and impact. You're trying to sell yourself to a prospective employer in competition against all of the other CVs.

More than happy to have a look at your current offering and give feedback.

Good luck!

[Disco_Biscuit]

TBH I'd get one professionally written, I did and have pretty much been offered any job i've ever gone for, doesn't cost much, I paid about £20 with a covering letter from a lady on ebay, she done a wonderful job on it.

[spikeyhead]

Emphasize your achievements

[baldy1926]

cheers for the advice so far. I think 2000 was the last time i needed one. I will have a look on ebay do you have the name of the person

[JWRB]

Hi Baldy,

If you aren't currently employed and don't have £20 spare it's a very simple DIY job, you just need to sit down in front of your computer and type it out.

I can tell you that unless you are a design grad or a sales person you don't need anything fancy. Just ensure it contains all the relevant information (dates, job titles, responsibilities) and has a straight forward lay out.

Name
Contact info
Profile
Career history (most recent first)
Education
Interests
References

Good luck.

[spikeyhead]

JWRB said:

Hi Baldy,

If you aren't currently employed and don't have £20 spare it's a very simple DIY job, you just need to sit down in front of your computer and type it out.

I can tell you that unless you are a design grad or a sales person you don't need anything fancy. Just ensure it contains all the relevant information (dates, job titles, responsibilities) and has a straight forward lay out.

Name
Contact info
Profile
Career history (most recent first)
Education
Interests
References

Good luck.

Profile, avoid any bullst and buzzwords or it'll go in the bin
Career history. Highlight what you have achieved, avoid excessive TLAs and ETLAs
education Qualifications

[V8mate]

If you're over 40, I'd only bother listing the last 10 years of work, unless something previous to that is specific to the job you're applying for.

Also, as previously noted, not 'Profile' but 'Achievements'. The former is open to hyperbole, the latter can be proved.

[rog007]

JWRB said:

Hi Baldy,

If you aren't currently employed and don't have £20 spare it's a very simple DIY job, you just need to sit down in front of your computer and type it out.

I can tell you that unless you are a design grad or a sales person you don't need anything fancy. Just ensure it contains all the relevant information (dates, job titles, responsibilities) and has a straight forward lay out.

Name
Contact info
Profile
Career history (most recent first)
Education
Interests
References

Good luck.

In my experience, references and responsibilities are not the best use of valuable space on a CV. The former will be required in due course on an application form and the latter is usually not so helpful to hiring managers, whereas outlining what your impact has been is.