The Perfect CV?

Calgary22

Or is there really such a thing? generally how many pages should it be? and what should be contained in it? is a cover letter needed? i am trying to update my one now and tbh i dont really no what to cut and what to leave out. any help would be most greatful:D thanks.

SBWife

Two pages or less.

Name and contact info.

Objective/ executive summary/ personal statement - 3-4 lines concisely telling what you are, what you bring to the table and what you are looking for. Should be tailored for each position.

Experience
Starting with latest position, job title, giving company name and location start and end dates to the month is fine.
Description of responsibilities and achievements.

Optional - other experience if you've worked outside your current field, job title, company and dates are all you need.

Education - starting with most recent, institution, degree, specialisation, grade if 2.1 or above.
If no post grad include 2nd level and LC points (in total not by subject) otherwise leave it out unless you went to one of those private schools that open doors.

Professional affiliations.

If you really want and have room you can add interests at the bottom.

Slippin Jimmy

OP, I don't think there is such a thing as a perfect cv. My idea of a perfect cv will be different to yours and vice versa. But I think you should follow SBWife's advice. Just remember that the front page of your cv is most important as it is what will be seen first. Spelling and formatting is essential.

Calgary22

Thanks so much to both of you for your great advice thanks again:D

luckyboy

Just wondering if people think that academic awards/prizes should be included? For example, if you were awarded a scholarship for coming first in a degree class etc.

And, if you feel such awards should be included, would it be overkill to include all such awards even if there were 5 or 6 of them?

April O Neill

luckyboy wrote: »

And, if you feel such awards should be included, would it be overkill to include all such awards even if there were 5 or 6 of them?

Subtle brag. :pac:;):p

Slippin Jimmy

luckyboy wrote: »

Just wondering if people think that academic awards/prizes should be included? For example, if you were awarded a scholarship for coming first in a degree class etc.

And, if you feel such awards should be included, would it be overkill to include all such awards even if there were 5 or 6 of them?

Hard to say. Personally I think you should, it shows determanation and commitment.

phoenix999

It really depends on the job and your work experience. Try applying for an academic job in a University with a 2 page CV and see how far you would get.

Postgrad10

If you were looking for an academic job in a uni you most definitely would be including awards and publications . Anything else two pages .

wallycharlo

luckyboy wrote: »

Just wondering if people think that academic awards/prizes should be included? For example, if you were awarded a scholarship for coming first in a degree class etc.

And, if you feel such awards should be included, would it be overkill to include all such awards even if there were 5 or 6 of them?

If you have decent work experience which is directly relevant to the position, then this will be the key point from the CV which will be the decision maker from the employers perspective, and including such awards etc will be pretty much irrelevant.

If you do not have much in the way of relevant work experience, then you may consider including such awards, etc.

Bandana boy

It all depends on the area and the seniority of the postion you are looking for.
A CV being over two pages is not a problem as long as the information within is relevant and applicable to the postion you are applying for.
Make sure you are not listing every task and achievment in every job. In junior postions I would not list anything other than Title and time frame.
If after trimming these you are still over two pages I would not unduly worry.

Calgary22

Hey guys is it ok on a CV to leave out my Age,Nationality? or should i have this on my cv? this is when i go to canada just wondering should i put it on it or would this be held against me:D

IMightKnow

In Canada we were told specifically NOT to include age or date of birth and nationality.

Calgary22

Thanks mate i taught as much i don't want them to hold it against me should i write i am on a 2 year visa or just say nothing till i get an interview? thanks.

skimpydoo

Have a link to your linkedin profille on your C.V. as you can put in detail there any qualifications you have.