1. Resumes: How to Write a Successful CV
Stephanie Parry
Randstad Construction, Property & Engineering

2. Introduction
Your CV is your passport to an
interview.
• The objective of your CV is to pitch yourself and your skills
to a prospective employer and make a big enough
impression that they wish to meet you in person.
• Employers have to make decisions on whether to invite
candidates for interview on what they see.
• You’ll not only be judged on the presentation of your CV
but on the content thereof as well.
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3. Basic CV Creation Rules
• Use a document editor such as Microsoft Word to create,
format & spell check your CV.
• Use one singular font style for both your CV & cover
letter
• If printing – ALWAYS use good quality paper
• Keep CV to a maximum of 2 pages
Always include the following at the top of your CV:
• Name
• Address
• Contact telephone numbers (including mobile numbers)
• Email addresses
• Nationality / UK visa status
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4. Personal Statement
• To start the CV with a short statement about yourself, this
gives you the opportunity to sell yourself and highlight why
you are the most suitable candidate for the vacancy.
• We would recommend you tailor these for each position
you are applying for so they can be most relevant to the
role.
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5. Employment History
• Set out your employment history in chronological order with
the most recent first.
• Focus on displaying your career progression through
promotion or more challenging work.
• Include dates of employment (months & years)
• Include the Company’s name & address
• Include your Job title. There should always be an
accompanying paragraph with a brief description of the
role, responsibilities and duties. In particular, highlighting
projects, skills, key achievements (mention results).
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6. Employment History (Continued)
• If you are a graduate or have limited work experience:
• Set your CV out with your Education first, highlighting any
relevant experience you have gained.
• If you’ve amassed over 10+ years of employment history:
• Lead with highlights during the last 5 years of employment as
educational qualifications become less important.
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7. Education History
• Detail your education and qualifications in a clear format,
emphasising your highest qualification.
Always include
 Qualification gained
 Dates of Study (only need to state the year)
 University / College name
 Highlight good grades
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8. Additional Information (if space allows)
• References
• Only list referees and their contact details if they have agreed
to provide references for you.
• If you do not wish prospective employers to contact referees
without your permission, state it clearly at the bottom of the
CV.
• Hobbies & interests
• Outside work interests sometimes gives an employer a better
insight into the applicant, but supporting the same football
team will not land you the job!
• Photographs
• Keep the CV simple and ditch the photograph.
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9. Covering Letter
• A covering letter (or covering email if you are sending your CV
by electronic format) introduces you and most importantly states
which position you are applying for, quoting a reference number
if applicable.
• Your covering letter needs to be brief. Simply state:
• What position you are applying for or if it is a speculative approach.
• Where you saw the position advertised
• What you current position is – employers name / job title or recently
graduated.
• Briefly why you are the candidate for the vacancy
• Include any notice period if you are currently employed.
• Include what your availability for interviews would be.
• Always put your contact details on the covering letter in case it gets detached
from the CV.
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10. Final Steps
• Before submitting your CV:
• Check your CV and covering letter through for spelling and
grammar – don’t rely on the computer spell-check!
• Make sure your contact details are clear and accurate.
• After submitting your CV:
• Contact the prospective employer in a couple of days to check
that they have received your CV.
• Ask when they will be making a decision to invite candidates
for interview.
• Thank them for their time and wait to see the response – no
amount of badgering an employer will make them give you an
interview.
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