If you are looking for a job, you will need a CV, or Curriculum Vitae. This is an important document that all employers will need to see when interviewing you for a job, and which many employers will use as the basis for whether or not they will consider hiring you. For that reason, it's vital to have a great CV. Here is a simple guide explaining more about what a CV is and how you can create your own.

WHAT IS A CV?
A top-quality CV, also known as a resume, is one of the most important parts of finding a new job. A CV is the standard document an employer will ask for before considering hiring you, and many employers use the CV as the basis for their decision as to whether or not to hire you.

There are a number of companies in the recruitment industry who advertise a comprehensive CV Service. In other words they will, based on the information you provide, construct a CV for you. There is normally a cost involved, but if it helps you to secure a good job the money spent may well be worth it. But if you have access to a computer and use a template, you should be able to construct your own CV fairly easily.

Remember: A CV is a serious business document. DO NOT try and make your CV look artistic by using decorative fonts, fancy lines or borders or clip-art.

HOW TO PUT YOUR CV TOGETHER 

If you want a company to pay attention to your CV then it is a good idea to include a small photograph of yourself, which can be attached to the front cover of your CV.

As far as the body of your CV is concerned there is certain information that needs to be included and that information can be divided into four basic categories: Personal Details, Educational Details, Employment Record and an Addendum Section. Now with due regard to the Labour Relations Act, keep in mind the fact that you are not obliged to submit information that relates to Race, Sex, Religion, Political Opinion/Persuasion Ethnic/Social Origin, Sexual Orientation, Disability, Age, Conscience, Belief, Culture, Language, Family Responsibility, Marital Status or other arbitrary ground. However, having said that, volunteer as much information as you feel comfortable with and be sure to include all contact numbers and an e-mail address if you have one.

After you have listed your Personal Details, the next section is Educational Details. Here you need to supply all relevant information. If you have a tertiary education you must include the qualification, the date and institution where the qualification was obtained and the subjects involved. The same applies to diplomas and certificates. You must be able to provide proof of certification.

WARNING: DO NOT misrepresent your details or to try and mislead a potential employer or a recruitment company.

The following section of your CV should cover your Employment Record. Begin by listing your current or last position first. List the name of the company and include the location (i.e. Johannesburg etc). Show the full dates of your employment including the month and year. Mention your first and last designation or position with the company. Now give a full listing of your duties and responsibilities whilst with the company. Mention, to whom you reported and include your salary details upon leaving. Bear in mind you might be required to show proof of your earnings. Finally give your reasons for leaving. Be completely honest here, but try and keep it positive.

Now proceed and give the same information for your last three or even four positions depending on how many positions you have held. After that, unless the previous positions are relevant to your experience, you may summarise the information, but don't leave anything out and don't have any gaps in your employment record. Finally, if you didn't include possible referees under each position, now would be a good time to do that. Be sure to include contact telephone numbers.

Your entire CV (the first three sections) should not be longer than four or five pages at the most! It might even be a good idea to have a shortened or condensed version of your CV (no more than three pages), for faxing or e-mailing purposes.

The last or final section, the addendum, should be separate from the body of your CV and should include copies of any qualifications and, most important, any letters of testimonial etc. Do not include any unrelated or unimportant information. The idea of a CV is simply to open the door to an interview!

Remember: Staple your CV, or only use a binder which allows the document to remain in an open position when placed on a flat surface. You should also be able to add or take out a page if you need to update your CV at any time. It is a good idea to include a pre-approach letter when distributing your CV.

A GOOD CV CAN INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF FINDING EMPLOYMENT!

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