Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Abstract

Before you start looking for a job, it is vital that you have a CV, to highlight your past education, work history and achievements. In this chapter, I will give you guidelines on how to develop two types of CV:

• 1. A (first) full CV, for general use and as the basis to form a more targeted CV

• 2. A (second) targeted CV, to be sent to a hiring organisation, should you wish to apply for a specific post

Nowadays, it is quite common for a hiring organisation to provide you with an application form rather than asking you for a CV. As such, I will show you how you can use your CV, as a starting point, to help you fill in an application form. Finally, I will teach you how to write a suitable cover letter, to accompany the CV or application form.

Remember that a CV or an application form will be used by the hiring organisation to potentially shortlist you for an interview. In order to improve your chances of getting an interview, I will be discussing some of the reasons for rejections, in the hope that you can avoid making common mistakes.