CV guide - by Hocaps International

In most instances you have only this one chance of creating sufficient an impression as to open the door to the first interview. HOCAPS believe strongly that the CV is your document and should very much reflect your personal style and presentation.

You should also bear in mind that some companies receive many CVs during the course of each week, whether they are solicited or not and a poorly written or badly presented CV will be quickly dismissed.

Whilst there is no one right way to write a CV, there are some well established guidelines and the information you are putting across must be:

• Pertinent and to the point
• Checked for spelling & grammar
• Easy to read, i.e. legible and in a clear font
• No more than 4 pages, preferably 2 or 3

You must also try and write your CV so it is specific to the position you are applying for. Employers do not have time to read your life history, they are looking to fill a position and your background and experience must be appropriate.

The layout below is only a guide but one that we have found to work well.

SAMPLE CV FORMAT

Address, Telephone & E-mail etc.

Name

Profile: 50 words maximum that accurately describe yourself, your career positioning and two or three key skills. Bullet point format if possible.

Career History
In reverse chronology, i.e. most recent position first.

From - To Dates

Unit/Company Name
Job Title

Brief, two-line description of facilities, turnover, employees etc in order to define the scope and nature of the position

8/10 Achievements in bullet point format.

The achievements should be:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Realistic
• Tangible
• Demonstrate your key strengths and abilities.

The career history should be factual and accurate, with achievements detailed for at least the last three positions. Thereafter, the history can be condensed to 4/5 lines or a brief summary. Should clients want a more detailed list of achievements, experiences then a fuller résumé can be prepared.

(THE ABOVE DETAILS SHOULD BE NO LONGER THAN 2/3 PAGES)

Page 3 or 4 should contain the following:

• Education - List exams passed - no need to show the subjects
• Professional Qualifications - List in detail
• Professional Memberships - eg.HCIMA
• Hobbies and Interests - Not always necessary, but can help at interview stage if the person interviewing has anything in common

Personal Details - List the following:

• Date of Birth - No need to show age in years
• Nationality - Also show work permits/Green cards for states
• Marital status - Single/Married/Separated/Divorced
• Dependants - State ages
• Health - Always excellent!

Article courtesy of management recruitment company Hocaps International