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CV Tips

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Learning essential CV tips is the first step in finding a job, along with discovering how to complete job applications. Both of these are covered in greater detail in my E-book , which is Module 2 of the Jobseekers' Success Kit - you can buy the whole Kit or individual modules. There are some more tips on this free Video Tour. But to get you started, here are the essentials for writing good CVs:

Don't draw attention to your age. It isn't essential to put your date of birth on a CV and some older job seekers have achieved better results by leaving it out. An alternative is to put it at the end, under the heading Personal Details. If you put your date of birth with your contact details at the top, the CV may go into the shredder without a second glance.

Don't include marital status or number of children in your personal details. Only include health if it is excellent.

If you've got gaps in your work history or are going back after bringing up a family, don't use the chronological format, use either a targeted or a functional CV. Both of these are skills based, the first targets a specific job or career and the second highlights skills themselves.

Some of the main point to remember when writing your CV:

Paper

• good quality white paper
• standard - size A4 in the UK
• always send a top copy, never a photocopy

Length

• one or two pages, depending on your experience

Font

Content

• Use examples
• Use keywords
• Use action verbs

Once you've established your transferable skills and know how to write a good CV, you will need to write a great cover letter to go with it.

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