What does a CV look like? 7

What does curriculum vitae mean? 7

What is in a CV? 8

How do you start to write a CV? 9

How long should a CV be? 11

Dos and don’ts 11

Points to remember 12

How can a CV enhance your job prospects? 14

How do you start to compile an effective CV? 15

The importance of presentation 17

Stressing your good points 17

Reflecting on your career 18

Dos and don’ts 19

Points to remember 20

The most common CV content mistakes 21

What should be included? 22

Getting started 23

Making your CV stand out 23

Dos and don’ts 47

Points to remember 48

The most common mistakes in CV presentation 49

Handwritten or typed? 51

Ordering your material 51

Length 53

Layout 56

Adding emphasis 57

Sending your CV by e-mail 57

Dos and don’ts 59

Points to remember 60

Dos and don’ts 61

Examples of CVs 63

School leaver (Version 1) 65

School leaver (Version 2) 68

College leaver 75

Graduate (Version 1) 78

Graduate (Version 2) 81

Voluntary experience 84

Many jobs 88

Gaps between jobs 91

Woman returner 94

Career changer 98

After redundancy 101

Personal profile 104

Hybrid (Version 1) 107

Hybrid (Version 2) 110

Hybrid (Version 3) 113

Step-by-step guide 116

What goes in a covering letter? 122

Examples of covering letters 125

vi

Conclusion 129

Dos and don’ts 129

Points to remember 130

Blank CV 131

Using the internet to help you prepare your CV 132

Applying for jobs online 133

Dos and don’ts 137

Points to remember 138

10 great sites for jobseekers 138