YOUR CV
First impressions count, and the first impression that your future employer gains of you comes from your letter of application and CV. How do you want to appear to the employer? It's worth taking the trouble to present this preview of yourself as attractively as possible.

Tips for a Successful CV:

• Regardless of the style of the CV you choose or the format you decide upon, there are five primary sections that make up a successful CV, which include:

1) Personal Details (name, address, date of birth etc..)
2) Employment
3) Education
4) Hobbies & Interests
5) References

• The Shorter the CV, the better, preferably one or two pages.

• Your CV should answer the question 'Why should I employ you?'.

• Include any accomplishments, credentials or qualifications that are unique or that make you stand out from other candidates.

• Positive thinking produces positive results. If you think that you are too old, too shy, too under-qualified - you are. Overcome weaknesses with offsetting strengths.

• Your CV should be a positive document and it must tell the truth. Don't lie but avoid mentioning anything that could be taken negatively.

• Your CV must not have any spelling, grammar or punctuation mistakes and should be well set out and organised.

• For maximum effectiveness produce your CV on a computer - it will look more professional and it is easier to update or adjust your CV to specifically meet the job requirements of each Company in which you seek employment.

A Covering Letter:

• You must include a cover letter when sending your CV.

• A cover letter should communicate your skills, abilities and qualifications to prospective employers.

• Remember to state which position you are applying for.

• You should preferably word process the letter, if not make sure you have neat handwriting.

• It should be brief, interesting and energetic.

• Your letter should emphasise what you can do for the prospective employer, not what you expect or are looking for.

• Don't rehash what you say in your CV.

• Write to inform, not to impress as the more you inform, the more you will impress!

Remember you don't get a second chance to make a first impression