Preparing your CV

There are two types of CV

1 A Master CV which collates all your history and ensures you have instant access when you need to prepare a targeted CV.

2 A Targeted CV which is designed to target a particular position. You may use all the details from your Master CV or pick out specific aspects which you feel relevant.

Preparing your Master CV

A Master CV should begin with your most recent experience, starting with today and working back. It may take some time to complete this; it should reflect all aspects of your employment history, your interests, the things that are important to you, your achievements and the factors that make you unique. You will then be able to extract the information you require for specific positions that you wish to apply for. The Master CV is your own personal information and reference point. It should be regarded as a live working document, you should add to it as you develop in awareness and experience.

Preparing your Targeted CV

This will be a CV, which is tailored towards targeting a specific position. In this you will include aspects of your history and experience, which are specifically relevant to the position for which you are applying. A targeted CV should highlight how your skills and experience match the criteria on the personnel specification and required experience. It should be concise and to the point. A good recommendation would be two or three A4 pages in length. A good CV will emphasise your unique selling points. It should attract the attention of the reader and make them want to know more about you.
Remember you only have 30 seconds to make a good impression with your CV.