CV Preparation Guide

In addition to providing this guide we invite you to give us a call to discuss what makes a good CV and how to go about setting it out.

Please also see an example CV to consider [view example CV]

We’ve tried to make this guide as straightforward and simple as possible. There’s no one correct way to do a CV, but a good CV will contain all the information a potential employer will need to know about you before deciding to interview you, in a format that is easy to read and demonstrates the applicant is professional and appropriately skilled. Beyond that, however, it is absolutely crucial that the CV puts your case for interview forward in the best possible light and that it is tailored to each different role.

The CV should be in a professional font with no borders. It should not contain any quirks of language particular to your type of role. If this is the first CV you’ve done as a professional, rather than a graduate, don’t start the CV by copying over the last file you did as an undergraduate.

The focus is on demonstrating the skills and experience gained to date. The experience that you have had in the last one to three years is the most important part of the CV and should be given close attention.

Throughout the CV headings should follow standard formats and be in the same font as the rest of the CV. The layout should look plain and professional, with plenty of white space. The CV should be listed chronologically from most recent to least recent, with headings as follows:

• Forget the cover page – just start at the top with the following
• Contact details (As many telephone numbers as possible and particularly a number to get hold of you during office hours. If your work line is given you may want to put “please be discreet” next to it if you are concerned).
• Education (include your admission date and years/institutions where you did your degrees, noting any honours or prizes).
•  Experience

This is the key section of the CV. List the employer, title, and the months you were there. Set out each employer as follows:

• A general introductory description of the employer, (if it is not likely to be known) setting out the type of clients, practice group etc. (one short paragraph).
• A description on the type of matters worked on, the role undertaken, the autonomy and client contact and any significant facts, such as client base. (one short paragraph).
• Group matters into headings by area and give examples of matters conducted, split into distinct, brief paragraphs. 
• Other Work Experience (make it brief unless it is particularly relevant to the role).
• Achievements (this is your chance to pick out the best and most relevant of your current and past achievements, such as being a Prefect at school or representing the State in Debating).
• Memberships (include any professional associations etc).
• Interests (Include this as a list and keep it brief. Mention any sports, social interests and pursuits.) People often ask us whether they need to put this section in, remember that employers like their staff to be well-rounded and social as well as good at their job.
• Referees (2 or even 3 professional would be enough. Don’t bother including personal references. To protect privacy and your referees being hounded make a note next to their names that permission is to be sought prior to contacting them).

 

What Not to Put In
There are also a few things the CV won’t have. These are absolutes and non-negotiable and all have been seen in  CV’s on numerous occasions:

• Spelling errors and appalling grammar
• Mission statements, quotes etc
• Anything in cursive
• Photos of you (although these can be useful if you anticipate doing a telephone interview)
• Coloured fonts, things that flash, and floral or other borders
• Lists of spurious strengths (e. g. teamwork, leadership, empathy)
• A summary of your academics missing out any subjects or fails
• Lies or exaggerations (you will be caught out)
• Information that would be a breach of client confidentiality
• Objectives (especially those that say “to go overseas in 3 years”)

What then?
Before sending out the CV to anyone, spell check it, print it out and view it on paper. It should be no more than 3  pages in length, although more senior professionals may have longer CV’s.

CV’s for Senior Professionals

There are really only a few differences between the CV of an experienced professional and an early stager. Often a senior professional’s CV will be longer, but the level of detail will usually be the same. Issues such as client base, marketing, leadership etc will all have to be worked into the CV. For practitioners with more than say 12 to 15 years of experience and a number of past employers it is more appropriate to break down the experience section into 2 parts. Start with a chronological table as the first part, showing the dates, employer, title and area and then as the second part collate all experience into different areas, regardless of with which employers the experience was obtained. This makes the CV less voluminous and saves repetition. Listing clients as referees is also appropriate for senior professionals

 

 

back to top ^