How to Write your CV

Your CV is the first step in finding a job. It’s also usually the point at which most people fail to sell themselves to potential employers. Below are igloo’s do’s and don’ts of writing a CV.

Do’s….

• Write succinct sentences that are easy to read and understand. Typically, recruiters spend only seconds on a CV, so yours needs to stand out
• Use standard typefaces such as Arial or Times New Roman, 11 or 12 points.
• Check and re-check spelling – and don’t rely on computer spell checkers.
• Ensure your personal details can be printed by all printers, so put them in the main part of the page, not the headers or footers.
• Make sure that dates and employment can be found easily and are consistent throughout the CV.
• Lead with achievements.
• Use active verbs and positive language.
• Include awards or recognition received for work well done, together with professional memberships and relevant training.
• Keep your CV honest, factual and to two pages.
• Ensure you send your CV with a covering letter, ideally to a named individual.
• Take ownership and use words such as Created, Devised, Coordinated, and Conceived.
• Focus on what you have to offer an employer rather than listing what you have done.
• Ask trusted colleagues and friends if this is an accurate representation of youself.

Don’ts….

• Date your CV.
• Include irrelevant personal details such as date of birth.
• Mention salaries.
• Say why you left any job.
• Include negative or irrelevant information.
• Lie.
• Put education before achievements.
• List every employer if you have been working since the 1970s.
• Allocate the same space to all positions;, prioritise the content.
• Use superlatives, boast or brag about yourself.
• Modify your CV for every application unless you have a foolproof method of remembering where you sent which edition.