A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a document used to "sell" yourself to an employer. It must provide the prospective employer with information about you, your skills, experience and personal qualities relevant to the position applied for. The employer uses the CV in deciding if an applicant will make the short list. If the required information isn't there, you won't make the short list!

Before you start
Obtain the Job Description for the position you intend to apply for and focus the content of your CV on the knowledge, skills, competence and experience required.

There are many ways to prepare a CV. Here's one suggestion:

Name
Give your full name. Perhaps underline your preferred given or first name.

Address
Give an address where you can be contacted.

Telephone number
Give a telephone number where you can be contacted or where a message can be left.

Date of birth
Optional - you are not required to give your date of birth.

Qualifications
List your qualifications. Include both academic and work-based (e.g. NZQA units) and ensure you list those that are listed as essential in the Job Description e.g. drivers licence, firearms licence. Don't let the employer make assumptions.

Work history
List your most recent position first and work backwards in time. Give the name of your employer, location, the position title and number of years in the position. Identify key responsibilities, experience, skills, and achievements you have gained in each position that is relevant to the vacancy you are applying for.

Competencies
Most Position Descriptions list essential competencies. Demonstrate that you have each competency by giving examples of how you have undertaken work in each area.

Unpaid work, community, family and other experience
Outline community, family, unpaid work or other experience that you have had and how this is relevant to the vacancy you are applying for.

Training
List any training you have received, e.g. attendance at short courses, oral communication, effective writing etc.

Referees
List one or two referees who can speak about your work and/or community involvement. Give their names, addresses and telephone numbers. Check that they are happy to be contacted.

Further information
You may wish to add further information about yourself which will add to the knowledge that the employer may gain about your skills and competence for the position. List other attainments and qualifications not already mentioned. You may also, if you wish, attach copies of any recent written reference(s) that you hold.

Also remember
It is not necessary to enclose your CV in a folder or binder as these are often discarded when your application is filed. It is important, however, that all photocopies of papers provided are good clean copies and of A4 size. Keep it brief, up to date and focused on the knowledge, skills and experience relevant to the vacancy.

And finally ...
Don't include original documents. CV's are not returned so make good quality copies of documents you want to include.