Careers and Personal Development Module
Producing a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A Curriculum Vitae (or Resume) is a summary of personal information about your education, experience and other relevant items. Along with your Claim for the Position statement, your CV will play a critical part in whether employers select you out the initial pile of applications received in response to a job advertisement to go on to the interview stage of the appointment process. I make no claim to be an expert in CV design and would advise you to consult Macquarie University's Career Development Office (Lincoln Student Services Building: http://www.mq.edu.au/~careers/) or other specialist advice in this area.
From my experience on a number of selection committees and reading on the topic, however, I offer the following general points:
- A targeted CV (i.e. one written for a particular job) is more effective than a common one sent out in all your job applications. By targeting your CV to a particular position you can better highlight your abilities regarding the skills the employer is seeking.
- Keep your CV clear and to the point. Aim to limit it to no more than two sides of A4.
- Chronology: I believe it is best to start with your most recent experience and work backwards as it is the most recent that is likely to be of greatest relevance to your application.
- Organise the CV into relevant blocks of information (e.g. personal details; education; employment history; skills/experience gained; outside interests; name, address and contact telephone numbers of referees) and ensure it is "reader friendly".
- In the work experience section show the skills you have gained and how they are relevant to the position for which you are applying.
Kevin
McCracken
Phone: +61-2-9850 8388
Email: kevin.mccracken@mq.edu.au