CV Guide - from Berkeley Scott

Your CV is probably the most important sales tool at your disposal when looking for a new position. View it as a great opportunity to sell yourself to a prospective employer.

A successful CV summarises your past background, including both your education and your job experience, and gives the potential employer a basic idea of what you can do for their company.

Basic Elements of a CV

No matter what the job, there are a number of basic rules which should always be followed when preparing your CV.

• It must be simple to read. Mention your strengths and achievements together with basic factual information. Don't go into too much detail, save that for the interview.
• It should be immaculately presented in a logical fashion; a potential employer will see your CV as a direct reflection of you. If it is messy or contains spelling or grammatical mistakes you will minimise your chances of getting to interview stage.
• Remember to include every relevant skill, such as languages, IT, and training or skills courses attended.
• Include your interests and activities, but make sure that you are truthful and able to expand on the subject during an interview. There is no point listing theatre as a passion and then admitting that you haven't seen any plays during the past 12 months!
• Try to ensure that you get across to the interviewer your objectives are in life, what motivates you and what your values are.

Be honest at all times. Lying about previous experience or qualifications might seem like a good idea, but if you are caught out, it could end your career for good.

Article courtesy of recruitment consultants Berkeley Scott Group