Posted by The most common use of a CV is when sent to prospective employers in response to a job advert, when applying for internships, work experience, volunteer work, or to join a professional club or association. It must be tailor-made to the specific job you may be applying for if it is to be effective.
A typical CV must contain the following information:
• Personal details: name, surname, address, phone number;
• Personal statement: a brief summary of who you are, what you have done and what you can offer;
• Key Skills: your most important skills with respect to the job you may be applying for;
• Work Experience: where you have worked, in what capacity, your responsibilities, your accomplishments;
• Education: qualifications, short courses, professional development;
• Other relevant information: hobbies, interests.
A CV must always be submitted in conjunction with a short cover letter. In the case where an employer asks for an application form, you should still submit your CV and a cover letter alongside the application form.
An effective representation of your skills and capabilities along with a good match with the ‘person specification’ and ‘job requirements’ of the job you are applying for will increase your possibilities of receiving an invitation to attend an interview. The interview may take many forms and could be face-to-face, over the phone or video. It may also include Maths and English competency tests, psychometric tests, even tasks simulating elements of the job you are applying for. Some interviews may last for several hours and may also include a session, usually over lunch, mixing with staff to ensure that your personality is compatible with theirs.
If all goes well, a job offer should follow. It will be up to you then to accept, reject or negotiate the contents of the offer.