Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Also known as a Resume, everybody who is going for a job needs a CV. The point of the CV is to get you an interview. Think of it as a one- or two-page marketing document. It needs to tell an employer what skills and attitudes you have that are relevant to the job you’re applying for, as well as a bit about you.” 

There are three common styles of CV:

• Chronological - 

–       focuses on where you worked or studied with the dates usually listed in reverse order 

–       it highlights your educational background and academic results

–       many employers of recent school leavers are accustomed to seeing this format

BUT   –    a chronological CV does not effectively reveal skills

• Functional - 

–       focuses on what you have done, not where and when you did it

–       skills are listed by skill and strength areas important to employers

–       it calls attention to accomplishments

–       you can use headings that are featured in the job description

–       often better for an older person who has already had one or more jobs

• Combination -

–       combines the features of both reverse chronological and functional CVs

–       often begins with a profile which can be used to emphasise transferable skills