Curriculum Vitae, or Resume, writing Writing the CV Curriculum Vitae, or Resume, writing

What is a CV? A CV (Curriculum Vitae, or Resume) is a document that gives important information to a potential employer: Your full name Your contact details Names and contact details for at least 2 referees Details of your work experience Details of training and courses you have done Description of your personal qualities

The Cover Page The first page of the CV is the first thing that a potential employer sees It gives a very strong impression You want them to get the impression that you are: organised, hard-working, have good attention to detail Are good at dealing with other staff and customers

The Cover Page (cont’d) Your cover page should be well laid out, give all the vital information about yourself and communicate very clearly. An attractive cover page is also useful, especially in a job where design and creativity are important. MOST IMPORTANTLY, however, is that all vital information is available straight away!

The Cover Page (cont’d) Full name, large and clear font style Home Address Postal Address (if different to above) Telephone contact details, both business and after hours Other contact information if relevant: email, text messaging, website (careful…)

What next? List referees with their contact details Remember that a busy employer wants to be able to contact your referees instantly. If they have to wait, they may go to the next applicant! Make sure that phone numbers for referees are current, and give at least 2 (eg work plus mobile)

Referees ALWAYS speak to your referees and ask if they are happy to give you a reference There is nothing worse for a referee than being called up to give a reference without any warning!

The Reference A Reference may be: verbal (spoken, usually over the phone) written (usually as a 1-page letter) Ask your potential employer what kind of reference is required: verbal or written, and make sure the Referee knows what is required (date, where to send, etc).

The Reference (cont’d) Verbal references are easier for the referee, but written references are more useful to you (you can use them more than once!) Give the Referee a copy of your job application, so they can refer to it when talking to your potential employer. Read over your application first! It could be embarrassing if there’s something you don’t want your referee to know…

Mailing the CV Try to post your CV flat, using an A4 envelope or at least a (long) business envelope. An A4 envelope costs about $1 to post, or you can deliver it by hand. This ensures that your CV arrives in good condition, not folded or squashed to fit into a small envelope.