How To Write A Great CV – Vicki Clark
Your CV is your marketing tool towards the job of your dreams. To make sure you have the best chance you need make sure your CV contains correct information and is easy to read.
Personal Details
List your full name and contact details including cell and email address and the area where you reside for example, Soweto, Johannesburg.
Include your citizenship or ID number as well as language skills and drivers license, if relevant. List you professional memberships.
Goals/Strengths and Skills
Briefly describe your career objective as well as list your main strengths and skills. Explain what position you are looking for and why.
Education and Professional qualifications
Include names of institutions and dates attended, in reverse order, beginning with your tertiary qualifications. List secondary school results and subjects. List courses and dates attended as well as computer literacy.
Work Experience
The most accepted breakdown of your work record is in chronological order starting with your current or most recent position.
Include the following information:
- Employers name.
- Employment dates.
- Job title.
- Duties and responsibilities
- Achievements
If you have a very long career history, focus on your recent experience and keep you older position short and to the point.
References
Contactable references can be listed or stated ‘Available on Request’.
The following should not be included in your CV:
Layout and font
Do choose a simple and easy to read font such as Ariel or Calibri in a legible size (11 – 12 points).
Do not use unusual fonts or bright colours. Don’t use fancy backgrounds and borders and images that will greatly increase the size of the file.
Photos
There is no need attache a photo to your CV and it is not standard practice. It can make the file very large and this is not recommended.
Hobbies
It is not advisable as space is at a premium and there is no need to give details about your hobbies, unless they are related to the job you are applying for.
Your health
There is no reason to mention this unless you have a medical condition that can affect your ability to do a job.
Religion, sexuality or political affiliations
It is unnecessary to include your religion, sexual orientation or political affiliation in your CV.
Certificates
There is no need to send your degrees and certificates with your CV. If an employer requires them they will ask at interview stage.
