Writing a CV

Split your CV up into key sections 

• Personal Details  - no need to give your date of birth, gender or marital status
• Profile – optional 
• Education
• Employment 
• Achievements (optional)
• Skills Profile 
• Interests/Other Activities/Memberships
• Referees  - do ask for permission from your referees before you include them on your CV. It is usual to have one academic and one work reference.

Most Recent/Relevant First

• Start with your most recent/current qualification and work experience and work in reverse chronological order

Keep it Concise

• Ideally 2 pages - maximum of 3.
• Avoid using personal pronouns e.g. ’I’, “me” and ’my’.
• Keep it short – avoid paragraphs and use bullet points.

Be Accurate

• Ensure that there are no spelling errors. 

Tailor it

• CVs should be tailored for each position applied for. This is really important and is worth the effort.

Be Honest

• Any inconsistencies will be found out at interview stage and could cost you the job.

Once you have completed your CV – evaluate it against our CV Checklist 

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Download and use our CV Checklist to review your CV. Try to get as many “Yes” answers as possible before you have your CV reviewed in the Career Development Centre.

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A list of power verbs to help you get started with describing your skills and achievements on your CV.

Tips: 

• Use in the present tense when describing responsibilities in your current role
• Watch your spelling (your spellcheck may autocorrect to the 'ize' spelling instead of the 'ise' that we use in Ireland) 

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The cover letter is probably the first thing the employer reads about you so it really does count!

Some basics to consider:

• Keep it to one page - 3 or 4 paragraphs is enough 
• Tailor it for the job. Make sure the cover letter highlights how you believe you meet the job criteria. 
• Address it to a person. 
• Watch your language. Avoid overly formal language – be professional but don’t be afraid to use emotive language e.g.  "...is an area I am passionate about". 
• Emailing your cover letter? The cover letter can be in the body of the email rather than an attachment 
  • Follow proper grammar rules, including proper punctuation, capitalization, and sentence structure. 
  • Write your phone number beneath your name at the end of the email.
  • Put the job reference number or mention the job you are applying for in the subject line.
   

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Outline of Covering Letter

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Read the online version of our guide to CVs on issuu.com 

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