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CV Preparation

Arcon Recruitment are here to help you improve your CV writing to ensure you have the best chance at finding the right job for you. Your CV is your primary selling tool and it is unique to you, your skills and your experience. 

A well-presented CV can secure you an interview by catching the eye of an employer. It can also help you focus on the key points that you need to expand upon during an interview and it will remind the interviewer about you once the interview is over.

To find out how to write the best possible CV cover letter template, be sure to follow our steps or get in touch with Arcon Recruitment for more information.

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CV template Ireland - Arcon Recruitment - CV Tips - Curriculum Vitae preparation

What Is A CV?

A CV, or Curriculum Vitae, is the Irish and U.K version of the U.S Resumé. It is a document used when searching for a job. 

A standard CV is 2-3 pages, at most, and will be a summary showing yourself in the best possible light to help you in securing a job. The purpose of a CV is to give recruiters an overview of your work history and skills. The best way to use a CV when searching for a job is to create a CV template and swap in and out information depending on the job you are applying for. 

A CV will include contact information, work history/experience, education, certificates, skills, and may include hobbies and interests. It will be well structured, easy to read, not bloated with information, and grammatically correct. 

CV Template Structure

The most common question consultants are asked is about the structure of a CV and what should be included. We would always recommend the following as a CV layout template:

  • Personal details / contact details. This should be first in any CV and clearly visible. Remember to keep all email addresses professional and leave any nicknames to a personal email address.
  • Academic achievements – Put this in reverse chronological order with your most recent qualifications first. Always make sure that your achievements are kept up-to-date. List your professional memberships.
  • Career history – This will be in the main body of your CV and should be presented in reverse chronological order with your most recent employer first. List your day-to-day duties a good tip is to keep a portfolio of job specifications that you see advertised and match your duties up, using the same terminology where possible. Just make sure that you understand all the terminology you are using in case you get asked about it in an interview.
  • Extra achievements – If you have been nominated for an award or you have won an award, mention it in your CV. However, do ensure that it is relevant. Any mention of awards or achievements show employers that you are ambitious and self-motivated.
  • References – Do not actually include the reference itself, merely the referee’s name, their professional title, the company and a contact number. Make sure that you contact your references beforehand for their permission to have their information passed onto a potential employer. If you are uncomfortable doing this, simply state that “references are available upon request”.
  • Interests & Hobbies Hobbies and interests should be nearly the last item on your CV. There is no real necessity to include them but employers do like to see a well-rounded individual and hobbies help create that perception.

Once your CV is complete, then it is time to begin to search for the job that best suits your experiences and interests. Whether you are an entry level applicant or an individual seeking a career change, then be sure to take a look at the Arcon Recruitment current job vacancies.

Visit our CV Template Page now to get more specific insight into each of the above sections, or download our Free, Editable, CV Template.

Download Free CV Template

Presentation & Formatting

The presentation and formatting of a good CV is incredibly important.
  • Always print your CV in black ink on good quality white paper
  • Do NOT include a photo unless specifically requested.
  • Use a common typeface and lay your CV out neatly – all headings the same font and size.
  • Use bullet points, ensure your CV is easy to read, be concise and avoid lengthy essays.
  • Ensure that your contact details can be clearly found at the top of your CV.
  • Your CV should not be longer than 2 to 3 pages.
  • If you are at a very senior level, then 4 to 5 pages should be the maximum length of your CV.
  • Be sure to include a Cover Letter along with your CV. The Cover Letter will introduce you and briefly let the employer know why you are interested in the role. The cover letter often acts as the introduction to your CV.

Spelling & Grammar

Always check for typos and grammatical errors – these could indicate carelessness and lack of attention to detail on your part.

Never just rely on your computer’s spell checker – you may be using the correct spelling of the word but it could be wrong in context, for example: “their” for “there” or “role instead of roll”

It can be a good idea to ask someone who has a keen eye for grammar and spelling to look over your CV – common errors would include “Its” when it should be “It’s”. Always capitalise the letter “I” when you are describing something that you are or do, for example: “I am an IT professional”.

Gaps & Incorrect Dates

Employers do not like to see unexplained time gaps or incorrect dates. These raise questions in their minds which if you are lucky, they may ask you to explain in an interview but more often than not, they will dismiss the CV before short-listing for the interview.

Always ensure that you have not duplicated or entered incorrect dates by writing a timeline check beside each job so that you are instantly aware of any gaps and can correct them.

If you have been travelling, explain that in your CV, for example, from 2001 until 2002 “Year spent travelling in Australia”. This shows that you have life experience and also explains the gap in your CV.

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FAQ

What Is A CV?

A CV, in Ireland and the UK, is a document used to apply for a job. It outlines your education, work history, skills and certificates. In the US, this is called a resumé. 

How To Write A CV - Ireland?

A CV is an essential part of the job seeking process. In Ireland, a CV should be well written, well structured, and no spelling or grammar mistakes. Check out our complete guide on how to write a CV for Ireland. 

What Does CV Stand For?

CV stands for Curriculum Vitae, which is Latin for “Course Of Life”. 

How Long Should A CV Be?

A CV should be 1 to 2 pages, and no longer than 3 pages, in Senior applicant cases. 

What To Put In A CV?

A good CV will include contact information, your education, previous work history, skills, certificates, interests, and hobbies. 

What Skills To Include In A CV?

The skills included should be specific to your own case. Including skills that are not generic and stand out is a must. Active listening, computer skills, leadership, interpersonal skills, and team skills are all high on the list. 

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