1. ‘Curriculum Vitae’

2. “What is a
Curriculum Vitae?????”

3. A ‘Curriculum Vitae’ is basically a photograph of your life to date and it must be updated on an on-going basis.

4. ‘Purpose of a Curriculum Vitae’
To introduce and present yourself in order to obtain an interview.
To confirm your skills, abilities and experience for a prospective employer/college.
To project your personality.
To prepare yourself to speak about your background and experience at interviews.

5. ‘Key Elements of a Good Curriculum Vitae’
Clear, concise, and positive, business-like language.
Attractive layout. Easy to read, leave sufficient 'white space', preferably using size 12 font (times new roman).
Ideally two pages
No spelling errors.

6. When submitting a CV reflect action words and skills named in the job advert in your own CV.
Use space in accordance with the importance of the information.
Typed or word processed.
Good quality A4 paper.

7. There is no need to bind but you should staple sheets together.
If you have gaps in your CV arising from illness or repeating the year, be honest and mention them.
Never tell lies in your Curriculum Vitae.

8. Key Headings in your Curriculum Vitae
Your CV should include:
(1) ‘Personal details’
Name, address, contact telephone number (landline and/or mobile), address and date of birth (optional).
(2) ‘Career Objective’
It identifies what you are aiming for at this stage and what skills you have to offer in relation to your objective. Useful when confirming your interest in a particular job or employment sector.

9. (3) ‘Education and Qualifications’
Put your most recent qualification first.
(4) ‘Employment History’
Begin with the most recent job.
Employers are interested in any work experience whether immediately relevant or not.
Don't forget any vacation/voluntary work experience that you have.
Emphasise both what you have learned and how you have made a difference to your employer.
Emphasise the skills gained in each job.

10. (5) ‘Interests and Activities’
Mention any positions of responsibility that you have held in societies/clubs in College or in any outside organisations. Emphasise any skills that you have gained, e.g. teamwork, leadership, organisational.
(6) ‘Achievements’
An achievement is any activity you have completed successfully. .

11. (7) ‘Additional information’
Any other personal qualities, skills, awards or qualifications not mentioned earlier which will make you suitable for the job/course.
(Problem solving, analytical, perseverance, overcoming difficulties, flexibility, teamwork, computer skills, languages, driving licence, etc)
(8) ‘Referees’
Get permission before you use someone as a referee and include one academic referee. Include name, job title, address, and telephone number.

12. ‘Examples of Curriculum Vitae’ (Good & Not so Good!!!)

13. Homework:
Begin writing CV under using the following headings:
Personal Details
Career objectives
Interest and activities
Achievements
Referees