CV Writing

A CV showcases your professional experience, responsibilities and background. It is a chance for you to show off your biggest achievements, your brightest contributions and what you bring to the party.

There are various formats for a CV but simple basics apply to each. Whatever your preferred style, font and order, consider the following:

• Length – a CV should be no longer than 2-3 sides
• Use bullets and headers to highlight information
• Include any P&L, headcount, regional and additional portfolio responsibilities that are not clear from the job title.If you have stayed with a company through several roles, define responsibilities for each one.
• If you have changes jobs frequently, give reasons for moves such as voluntary redundancy, promotion, headhunted etc.
• Publications and books should feature at the end followed by references – clarify if permission is needed to speak to them or whether they can be approached directly.
• Include industry awards and relevant training in the body of the CV.
• Check everything for typos and grammar. Then check it again! Cut and paste are brilliant tools for editing but wreak havoc with the English language.
• Make a CV personal. Allow some personality to filter through whilst remaining professional.
• Put your name in the header/footer of each page.