The initials CV stand for 'curriculum vitae', which means 'course of life' in Latin.
A CV is a short factual account - ideally no more than two sides of A4 - about you, your work experience and qualifications.
Some job vacancy advertisements ask you to apply in writing. Here, it's normal to send a copy of your CV with a covering letter.
There are several ways in which you can use your CV:
Speculative applications - send your CV with a covering letter enquiring if companies have any present or future vacancies in your trade. Find company names and addresses in phone books, newspapers and trade directories.
Memory jogger - use your CV to help you when completing application forms. Enabling you to remember dates and information each time you complete a different form.
Telephone applications - having your CV handy when applying for jobs by telephone can help if you are asked to give more information about previous jobs.
Interviews - having your CV handy while waiting to be called in can help refresh your memory. It's also useful to leave a copy with the interviewer.
Employment agencies - may sometimes require a copy of your CV before registering you.
What you should include in your CV:
Personal details - name, date of birth, address, whether you have a driving licence and personal profile/career history. A short statement at the beginning of your CV can be a positive way of selling yourself. Include upbeat words like competent, adaptable and conscientious.
Achievements - mention things you have done well in your past job that could be relevant to the job for which you are applying.
Work history - put the most recent job first, with dates. If you have had many different jobs, emphasise the skills and experience you have gained by grouping them together.
Training/qualifications - include training and qualifications gained in previous jobs. Put the most recent first. Education details and qualifications can be included from secondary school.
Interests/spare time activities - aim to show the employer that you have a well-rounded personality.
Please give your CV some thought and spend some time on getting it right - it may make all the difference in getting the job you really want.
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