Getting Started

For many people, the effort and discipline needed to bring their CV together makes them want to put off the task altogether. The best way to counteract this is to structure your approach, making it as painless as possible. The first step is to collate all the information you have regarding your work experience, education and other skills and talents.

Gather Your Information

Before you put pen to paper, get fully prepared for the task of composing your CV by digging out all the information that you think might be relevant. This could include:

• Certificates from your formal education.
• Proof of training courses you have been on.
• Articles you have written.
• Addresses and phone numbers of your potential referees.
• Any testimonials written about you.
• Anything else that you might refer to in your C.V.

List Your Experience

The next task is to make a detailed chronological list of your total work experience, for your own reference. This list will keep you from forgetting something important in your professional history. For each job you have had, complete the following:

Company name and location:
Job Title
From:
To:
Your line manager's name and title:
You were responsible for:
Your key achievements were:
Starting salary:
Finishing salary:
Extra benefits:
What attracted you to this job?
What was your reason for leaving?
Who could provide a good reference for you?

Summarise Your Educational Details

University/College:
Dates:
Course of study:
Degree received:
Date:

Secondary school:
Year you left:
Qualifications gained:

Note Your Vocational Training

Course:
Date:
Certificate:

Any Special Talents?

Languages: (degree of fluency)
Other skills: (programming, word processing, writing, etc.)

Associations:

Professional:
Social:

Hobbies/Sports:

All finished? Well done! You've just made a great start to putting your CV together and you'll find that this list will make the remaining tasks so much easier.