HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CURRICULUM VITAE

Your CV is often your first impression with a potential employer. It should be clear, concise, and relevant to the role you are applying for. Remember that your CV may be shared internally within an organisation, so ensure it represents you professionally.

General Guidelines

• Keep it short and focused – One page is usually sufficient to highlight your skills, experience, and education.

• Tailor your CV – Review the job requirements and emphasise the skills and experience most relevant to the position.

• Use clear formatting – Bold headings, bullet points, and logical sections make your CV easy to scan.

• Proofread carefully – Spelling or grammar errors create a negative impression.

• Include a cover letter – A well-written cover letter introduces you and explains why you are a good fit for the role. Whenever possible, address it to a named person.

Recommended Sections

1. Personal details
Full name, contact number, email address, and location (city/town). Date of birth is optional.

2. Personal profile
A short (2–3 sentence) summary of who you are, your key strengths, and your career aspirations.

3. Education and qualifications
List your qualifications in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Include institutions, dates, and any relevant certifications.

4. Key skills and strengths
Highlight technical, language, or interpersonal skills. Also mention extracurricular activities, awards, or achievements that demonstrate a well-rounded character.

5. Work experience
Present roles in reverse chronological order. For each position, include the employer, job title, dates, and a few bullet points describing responsibilities and achievements. Focus on experience relevant to the job you are applying for.

6. References
Provide at least two referees who can comment on your professional or academic abilities. Ideal referees include a previous manager, supervisor, lecturer, or mentor. Avoid using relatives. Always ask permission before listing someone as a referee.

Final Tip

Prepare a draft, refine it, and ask someone you trust to review it before submitting. A polished CV greatly increases your chances of securing an interview