At ROC Recruitment we do not alter or retype the CV’s of our candidates. Your CV is a representation, which should reflect your personality and what is important to you. When applying for a job, it is likely that you will be one of many candidates. Presenting an effective CV is one way of getting noticed from the outset. Interviewers may decide whether or not to see you on the strength of your CV. Do not just think of it as a list of facts; it should be a resume of your personal, educational and career history, showing your strengths and achievements.

Presentation

• Always type your CV.
• Use good quality paper. It creates a good impression.
• Avoid gimmicks, elaborate designs, or fancy typefaces.
• Your CV represents you and should not arrive looking tatty.

Content

Structure your CV by writing a list of important headings. Include your name, date of birth, address, telephone number (evenings and daytime), qualifications (include examination results), work history, any major achievements, hobbies and interests.

Account for any gaps in your CV.

Do not forget leisure pursuits - participating in sports, for example, shows good potential for teamwork.

Where possible, make the CV relevant to the position you are applying for.

Lay out your CV so it is easy to read and understand.

Start with your most recent job. It is more relevant for the reader to see your current position and duties first.

Break your job role down into areas of responsibility. Detail the duties within each area, in point fashion for easy reference.

Avoid industry jargon.

Use space constructively; omit irrelevant experience, examination failures, etc.

Check your spelling carefully and get a friend to double check-it.

Be concise, do not bore the reader. Two pages is the optimum length.

Do not claim qualifications which you do not have. Increasingly, employers will terminate the employment of, or not employ, candidates who cannot provide proof of qualifications such as GCE/GCSE, degrees and secretarial certificates. Between the Lines

• Ensure the information is correct and relevant. Most companies will reject a CV with spelling or typing errors.
• Do not omit any vital information such as your age. It will be obvious that you are trying to hide something.
• If you spent a year or two travelling, say so. Years on a CV that are unaccounted for are always suspicious.
• Never lie on a CV, or you will undermine yourself from the onset, and may be found out in the future.
• If you have worked somewhere for a few years, explain briefly how your job title and responsibilities have changed. Show how you have developed since joining the company.
• Highlight major achievements, especially those most recently Have you successfully managed any projects or brought in new systems or increased sales? Show on paper that you are an asset to your present employer.
• Do not ask for your CV to be returned many companies do keep them on file”.
• Keep a copy of your CV, read it before your interview and take two clean, crisp, unfolded copies to the interview (one for you, and one for the interviewer).