CV Preparation

Your CV is the first chance you have to impress a potential employer. More importantly, it is the only part of the recruitment selection process over which you have 100%control.

The important thing to remember is that a CV should reflect your technical and commercial skills, while emphasizing your natural aptitudes and personality.

Employers are looking for enthusiasm, versatility of skill, responsibility, ability to work well with others and on one's own initiative as the task requires. The company will get a sense of the person you are and your capabilities on review of Curriculum Vitae. Therefore care and consideration should be exercised when putting this information together.

Remember, the employer also bases their decision whether to interview or not on the CV they receive from you. Your CV should be:

• Confined to a maximum of 2 pages
• Error-free - use spell check facility
• Easy to read

In reverse chronological order – most relevant information first e.g.: if you are currently studying for your Diploma, give details of this course first under your Education section. Similarly, for your Work Experience section, give details of the work you were doing last Summer first, and work backwards to previous work experience.

There are 6 primary sections to a CV

• Personal Details
• Educational Details & Skills
• Work Experience
• Achievements
• Hobbies & Interests
• References

Application Forms
For students, the main purpose of filling out an application form is to get an interview. Preparation is vital - the form must show the employer that you have really thought about your skills, and how your abilities and interests match the needs of the particular job you are applying for.

Employers use application forms in order to elicit specific information in a format from which they can readily assess your suitability for the job. An application form may take some-time to complete.

The reason for this is that you are asked very important details in a very concise way.

Fortunately, there is a technique to completing application forms which can increase your chances of success. Following are a few samples of techniques for completing Application Forms:

Photocopy the form four to five times and practice filling it out before you complete the original - HAVE YOUR PREPARATION DONE!

Read ALL the instructions and questions carefully before you attempt to answer any of them.

When asked about your qualifications, list the subjects/modules most relevant to your application.

In answering questions, include evidence from all aspects of your life - academic, membership of clubs/societies, extra curricular activities.

Give concise answers including hard facts. Avoid wordy descriptions and vague statements. Use simple words and keep sentences short - Do not exaggerate nor understate the importance of the responsibilities you have had.

Do not be tempted to send a CV with your application unless otherwise stated.

It is advisable to include a covering letter with your form - again unless the employers instructions tell you otherwise. A covering letter gives you that extra opportunity to sell yourself.

Finally, get a professional person in a similar field to PROOF READ your application, and always keep a copy of your completed form for future reference.

These are just a few Tips on completing application forms.