CV tips?

[maomao]

I feel quite befuddled by CVs here. Might anyone be able to help me? I've heard that CVs here differ from those in the US, in that they also include things like marital status, age of children, etc. Is that really true? And if so, what additional info do I provide, and where do I put it?

I currently have (in the following order):

Name
Contact info
Work Experience
Education

Anyone have any advice? Thanks for your help in sorting me out!

The info that you have above is correct and all you need maritial status, children etc is irrelevant.

I went on a CV day course before and was told to not have titles like, Name: Address: etc.
At the top of your page centre your contact details like below: (EXAMPLE NOT REAL DETAILS)

SUZANNE BROWN
14 Lintern Way
London, W10 5BZ
020 8976 2365 / 07987 456234

PROFILE (write a brief discription) eg.

A self motivated person with excellent communication and computer skills. Effective working independently or as part of a team. Very reliable with a friendly positive approach.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY (underlined)
May 2001 - March 2004
VIRGIN RECORDS LTD
Label Manager
Then bullet point your job discription.

You dont need to go back more than 10 years.

EDUCATION (underlined)
Just give you college/uni address and qualifications/course studied, keep it brief

INTERESTS (underlined)
Keep it brief

This kind of CV could cover many ares but obviously if you where targeting one particular area you would highlight more about skills you have which are suitable. Maybe in the profile.

Gotta go and wash while my dd is sleeping

Good luck

Also never refer to your self like "I did", "We" "I like" etc...

Thank you!

But I'm a little confused --- DON'T put name and address, phone, at the top, or do?

hello

sorry bad explanation, dont give those details titles like

Name: Suzanne Brown
Address: 10 Yews Rd....
Telephone number: 0209 677

Just type your name and address and centre them at the top of the page. It looks much more professional. You dont need to give them titles as its obvious what they are. I notice that people always do that on their CV's.

x

Hello maomao. I had to rewrite my CV recently. Try visiting www.ivillage.co.uk - they have a jobs/careers section with a "CV centre" with lots of tips. I found it quite helpful.

What about putting a photo at the top? sorry if anyones already said this. Just remember being told that eons ago in business studies

NO to the photo - they should choose you on your experience, not what you look like.

Also, make it NO MORE than 2 pages. Keep the pages looking "clean" - ie try to keep plenty of "white" space, which helps draw the eye to the key points.

Covering letter is important too - that's where you can draw their attention to those bits in your experience/CV that are particularly relevent to the job you are applying for. Don't make it too long though - all you are trying to do is grab their attention enough that they will call you to interview. THAT'S when you will get the chance to elaborate.

Thankyouthankyouthankyou for your help, everyone!

And thank goodness no to the photo --- I hate having my picture taken!

I'm off to check out discordia's link with a sigh of relief.

maomao I'm setting up a cv writing business (I think). I can't help next week but if you email me a copy of the CV you've written anytime after easter saturday I'll help you out with it (for free of course).

There are quite a few CV templates out on the web as well- have a browse in google. Follow Mammyshirls format - unless you have a strange career history.

Jimjams, you're a blessed soul!