Write a Good English CV

Important Points When Writing an English CVqualifications, as these could be meaningless to an
The purpose of an English CV is to sell yourself: AnEnglish employer. Always write the words in full.
English CV is seen as an opportunity to sell yourselfHeadings:
and should emphasise your skills, experiences and1.
achievements. You should include successes andProfile: This is an opportunity to summarise the skills
wherever possible include facts and figures to supportand experience you have described elsewhere in your
your claims. Do NOT include information that isCV. It is the first part of the CV that the employer will
negative.read. It should be only one or two paragraphs long
Spelling and Grammar Check: Correct spelling andotherwise the reader may not go on to read the rest
grammar are of absolute importance in an English CV.of your CV. You should also include your career
Employers will NOT tolerate any mistakes. It is veryaspirations.
important that a native English speaker checks your2.
CV before you send it to an English-speakingAchievements: list any special achievements from your
employer.career history or education that may make you stand
CVwriting.net can provide a full spelling and grammarout from other candidates. List no more than six.
check and suggest any changes to the content of3.
your CV in line with what employers expect.Career History: This is a very important part of your
Do not include a photo: Most English employers doCV. The most common CV format is written in
NOT like to see a photo on the CV and, in fact,reverse-chronological order. Start with your most
including one could work against you. Only include arecent employment and work backwards. List the
photo if it has been specifically requested for adates between which you worked for each employer
particular job application.the name of the employer, your position and the
English Language skills: This is a very important aspectlocation at which you worked. Write a short description
of your CV and your professional career. You mustof the company and then describe your responsibilities
explain your knowledge of the English language underincluding facts and figures as much as possible.
the4.
‘Skills’Skills: In an English CV it is necessary to list particular
heading. Describe your level of knowledge as one oftechnical, professional or other skills separate from
the following:your career history. An English employer will not
· Bilingual â€" You can speaknecessarily be familiar with non-English professional
English as well as your mother tongue·qualifications therefore you must explain each one.
Fluent â€" You have a complete working5.
knowledge of the English language, both written andEducation: You must enter your highest qualification
speaking.· Working knowledge- you have afirst, then where achieved, and then dates. Make sure
good practical knowledge of English for professionalyou explain any non-English qualifications or try and put
purposes.· Conversationalthe English equivalent, e.g. Baccalaureate, French
â€" You can converse adequately inequivalent to the Higher Leaving Certificate and A
English with good comprehension.levels. Do not include grades unless they are
English CV Format:particularly impressive.
Your name, address, telephone number and email6.
address should appear at the top of your English CV.Personal details: It is not necessary to include all of
Always use a capital letter at the beginning of a nameyour personal details on an English CV as your skills
including the name of a street, town or country. Doand experience are of paramount importance.
NOT put CV or Curriculum Vitae as a heading.However, you need to include your nationality and it is
Your CV should be produced on a word processor,normal to include your Date of Birth such as: 11th
not hand written, and be available softcopy as a WordNovember 1967. Do not put your age.
or PDF file. If you are printing your CV you should use7.
good quality paper.Interests. You do not have to include your interests on
An employer will scan your CV in thirty secondsan English CV but they will help to give the employer a
looking for keywords that are relevant to the vacancyrounded picture of you as an individual.
he is trying to fill. Keep your CV short and concise soSignature: It is not necessary to personally sign your
that your positive attributes stand out. Your CV shouldEnglish CV.
be no more than two pages long.E & O E - Copyright 2006 CVwriting.
Do NOT use initials for company names or