| Okay so you want to do it yourself. You need a CV | | | | Step 9 - Format - put the information, in that order, into |
| and you need it now. The trouble isa) You've never | | | | your desired format. There are lots of templates |
| done it before orb) You have one but it is really old | | | | available but please remember to keep it simple. This is |
| orc) It is pretty recent but it doesn't seem to be doing | | | | a professional sales document so unless you are going |
| its job - getting you an interview for your dream job! | | | | for a job in a creative environment you should skip the |
| Don't panic! While I am a strong advocate of having | | | | animation and graphics! |
| your CV polished by a professional ( it is important if | | | | Step 10 - Review the information - have you |
| you want to stand out and make sure your CV | | | | highlighted / included all achievements or responsibilities |
| doesn't end up in the bin), here are some tips for those | | | | which link to the requirements of the job? |
| of you who prefer to go it alone. | | | | Step 11 - Spell check and then check manually for |
| One of the main mistakes I believe people make when | | | | spelling and grammatical errors. |
| preparing a CV is to begin with the layout and design. I | | | | Step 12 - Okay you are nearly done but don't forget to |
| am not saying that this aspect of your CV isn't | | | | include your name, address, a telephone number |
| important - it is! - but you need to get the content right | | | | where you can be contacted during business hours |
| first. | | | | and your email address. |
| So before you do anything else: | | | | That's it - you have a CV. Now here are some of the |
| Step 1 - Think over your career to date and consider | | | | things you should avoid: |
| what have been the highlights. What do you consider | | | | 1. Don't use too much jargon unless it is relevant to the |
| to have been your greatest achievements? Write | | | | job |
| them down! | | | | 2. Don't put so much detail on your CV that the reader |
| Step 2 - What are your main strengths and key skills? | | | | is bored - you should be stimulating their interest |
| Write them down! | | | | 3. Generally don't include hobbies and interests - |
| Step 3 - Now look at the job description for the job | | | | especially if they are lies. Hobbies and interest are |
| you want - what are the main requirements? Write | | | | unnecessary unless they are relevant to the job - for |
| them down and look at how they fit with what you | | | | example being involved in a local community or |
| have written under Steps 1 & 2 | | | | voluntary group would be relevant for a job in An |
| Now you begin to draft your actual CV: | | | | Garda Siochana, Ambulance Driver, Care Worker or |
| Step 4 - By now you should have some sense of | | | | numerous other community related jobs - or they are |
| how you can match your skills and experience to the | | | | really interesting and different |
| requirements of the job - so depending on the level of | | | | 4. You do not have to include your Date of Birth, |
| job you are applying for you might want to highlight | | | | Marital Status or Nationality (although you should |
| some of your key skills at the top of your CV | | | | ensure that you have the necessary documentation / |
| Step 5 - Next, starting with your current job, list all your | | | | are permitted to work in the particular country) |
| relevant work experience. Make sure to include dates | | | | 5. Don't have complex formatting - avoid boxes etc as |
| and employers / company name. Give a brief | | | | many CVs are scanned and this type of formatting will |
| description of your role and set out your responsibilities | | | | cause problems |
| or main achievements in each case | | | | 6. Don't leave time gaps - it raises questions that can |
| Step 6 - Include your Educational Qualifications (unlike | | | | easily be avoided |
| work experience this should start with your earliest | | | | 7. Don't opt for a generic CV - it is important that you |
| qualification and move to the most recent) | | | | tailor your CV to each job application. This will |
| Step 7 - List any other relevant skills, experience or | | | | significantly increase your chances of being called for |
| training | | | | interview |
| Step 8 - List referees or provide a statement | | | | 8. Don't have a CV longer than two or (if you really |
| regarding the availability of references. | | | | must) three pages - nobody will read it! |