Templates
When drafting a CV it is important to follow structure.
It is important to keep to this structure as employers do not have much time to look for the information they need.
The information needs to be accessible immediately. Please click on link to provide you with the structure.
This is an example of a CV structure only. Whether you decide to follow it will not make your CV right or wrong. This is only an example.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE CV STRUCTURE TEMPLATE PDF
There are many websites which offer advice on how to draft a CV. We have attached a few links below to these websites. Please take time to view these templates. Most of them will differ but they should all have similar structure. It is important that the structure is maintained as it just makes it easier for employers to read. If a CV does not follow our suggested structure it is not incorrect. Our structure is a mere guideline.
Cover Letter
When writing a cover letter it is important to be exact and to the point.
All the information about the job and posting should be on there. You should try to address it to the relevant person in the company if possible. It should not be a repeat of your CV. It should highlight the best of you in a working environment. Example, your qualifications and experience should match what is needed by the employer. Below is an example of a cover letter structure. Whether you decide to follow it will not make your cover letter right or wrong. This is only an example
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE COVER LETTER STRUCTURE PDF
There are many websites which offer advice on how to draft cover letters. We have attached a few links below to these websites. Please take time to view these templates and examples. It is usually better to start writing from a template but your cover letter should be unique as it needs to stand out from others. Make sure the information entered is accurate and portrays the very best of you in the working environment.
www.cvcentre.co.za
www.resume4free.com
http://susanireland.com
Pointers
- The number one rule on any CV, DO NOT LIE.
- You are your CV. You are marketing yourself.
- Make sure you have a good covering letter attached to your CV.
- Your CV should be printed in black ink. It is important to print it in black ink as it is easy to see.
- You should use White A4 size paper.
- Decorative borders are not really needed.
- If you use a photograph of yourself, make sure that you look professional. A nice smile but not excessive, as people want to see you friendly, not needy.
- Your CV should not be too long; it should be between 2 and 3 pages. The information needs to be relevant and accurate.
- Numbers or Bullets are a good alternative to sentences as the information is not dragged out.
- If you are applying for a specific job and your CV is aimed at that job, please make sure if the next job is different, you change the CV to suit that job.
- Use spell check to see if there are mistakes. If you cannot spell, you cannot work.
- Use references that actually like you. You want to portray a positive image.
- Make sure that all the information is still up to date. E.g. a reference still has their number and has not left the country.