CV Categories

In July 1997 Fortune Magazine printed some quotes from real life CVs, including ' I have an excellent track record, although I am not a horse' and 'Let's meet so you can 'ooh' and 'aah' over my experience'. Both great sentiments and definitely attention grabbing, but not necessarily going to get you the right response from every potential employer. So, what should you put into your CV and what should you leave out. Let's start with the headings; • Professional Profile - this is a summary of who you are and what you do and should always be tailored to the job you are applying for
• Professional Experience - this is your career history. Start with what you are doing now and work your way backwards. Remember dates and job titles will typically be verified if you are offered the job so keep them accurate!
• Professional Training - any courses, certifications, accreditations and training you have had relevant to this type of role and anything notable that isn't
• Education - whatever you left formal education with, even if it is just two GCSEs. If you have been left school for more than ten years grades and subjects are mostly irrelevant, except where the Company has stated otherwise
• Additional Information - optional subject to add all those other bits that you want the Company to know about you because they are relevant and show you in the light you wish to be seen in
• Personal Details - you no longer need to state your age, date of birth or nationality but you should disclose your location, marital status and you may want to include information about your driving licence if the role is going to involve travel
• Hobbies and Interests - this section shows the employer more about you the person and helps them to round out what you might be like
• References - not essential to name anyone on your CV but I would state that they will be made available on request

A good CV will open every door for you. Give these subject headers some thought and tomorrow we will talk more about what to include within each section.

For help creating the perfect CV or making the transition from where you are to where you want to be please contact one of our Consultant Coaches by going to our website at www.churchillbrook.co.uk