1. Get your CV to the top of the pile

2. Frances Pickersgill Development Editor Nursing Standard

3. Getting your CV to the top of the pile When to use a CV When applying for a post speculatively When asked for one If applying for post ‘in writing’ If no application form

4. Get your CV to the top of the pile The principles  Keep it professional : CVs are about your competence and capability to do the job  Keep it brief : CVs are a resume of your professional experience; no more than 2 A4 pages  Keep it interesting : draw the reader in; show your awareness of developments in nursing and health care; tailor it to the job  Keep it up to date: CVs need constant honing and updating; update each time you accomplish a project; revise the personal statement regularly

5. Get your CV to the top of the pile The Basics Need a paper copy of CV; online not always possible and difficult to hand out While paper only; no coloured, patterned or other personalised paper Black ink only : no colours Sans serif font –arial is most common; no gothic, manuscript or other stylised fonts Plain typeface: bold permissible but no underlines, italics No photos, illustrations, diagrams

6. Get your CV to the top of the pile The components Header: name, address, correct contact details – work phone and mobile, email, Twitter, LinkedIn; Personal profile: short and snappy; honest description of yourself; explain why you’re the person for the job; sell yourself; maybe complete this section last Strengths: avoid the obvious; no clichés; what personal attributes is this employer likely to need? Use online tools Employment history: most recent first; most recent should include most detail then in descending order

7. # Get your CV to the top of the pile The components Education history: schools, colleges, qualifications; vocational courses; studies in progress Achievements: include anything relevant for the job eg first aid, course; leading a project; running a club; foreign language Interests: any with relevant/transferable skills eg sport, music; voluntary work References: check OK with referees; past employers, lecturers, no parents, friends, families, lovers; include names and job titles only Cover letter: opportunity to explain yourself, show your personality, include examples of work

8. Get your CV to the top of the pile The covering letter Should include more information about you and your suitability for the specific job; tailo r it to the job Keep it brief – one A4 page only Address it to the person named in the job advert or corresponding person Use key words from the job description If you say you have a skill, give example Show your personality especially aspects that set you apart Check other covering letters for ideas

9. Get your CV to the top of the pile Some resources RCN careers service : tinyurl.com/RCNMSS CV Clinic: http://rcnpublishing.com/r/cv-clinic Step by step guide: www.nurses.co.uk Edubuzz careers advice : tinyurl.com/edubuzzhttp://rcnpublishing.com/r/cv-clinic

10. Get your CV to the top of the pile Frances Pickersgill Development Editor Nursing Standard

11. Get your CV to the top of the pile