Architectural Select

CV Tips and Guidelines

Curriculum Vitae Tips & Guidelines

Here are a few tips and guidelines to assist with your CV and will help you gain an interview:

None of these tips are cast in stone.
We would recommend that you use a maximum of three pages. Four at a push.
Use good quality, plain paper if you are posting your CV.
Use a common typeface that is readable on screen and on paper. Do not use a specialized font that the person reading your CV will not have installed. Be careful with the size too. http://www.autoitscript.com/autoit3/docs/appendix/fonts.htm

Keep your document in Microsoft Word format if possible. Use the following naming convention: Lastname_Firstname_CAD_Technician.doc or Lastname_Firstname_Architect.doc.
Keep the layout professional, tidy and uncluttered.
Don't justify the text. A justified document may look neater but may also look unnatural. An un-justified document is easier to read and may be more visually interesting.
Limit paragraphs to five or six lines.
Use bullet points wherever possible to add clarity. People will jump to bullet points to save time.
Avoid awkward changes in tense and use the past tense where possible. It gives the impression you have actually completed something. Goals have been achieved.
Use short sentences. Short sentences are easy to read. Short sentences are more powerful.
Use a spell checker. Spelling mistakes signal you are inattentive to detail. If we had £1 for every mistke we've seen...
Take your time! People spend more time arranging their weekends or booking their holidays that writing their CVs. Write it again then write it again.
Be positive. This is a selling document. Use words that have impact: 'managed' is stronger than 'supervised', 'negotiated' is stronger than 'facilitated'.
Be honest. People do lie on their CVs but if you're asked to explain or justify any part of your CV. You better be able to without hesitation. If you can't, all credibility will be lost and you can say goodbye to that job offer. Make sure that the dates are correct and any figures are correct.
Employers are interested in your most recent experience, so start with it. Pay attention to the dates of your employment and education. Avoid gaps and if there are any gaps, please give an explanation. Eg. June 2006 - October 2006: Traveling, Studying, Writing, Building a Shed, Looking for work, Taking time off.
Don't include your salary. This is part of the agency's responsibility and they may be able to get you a better deal. The best time to talk about this is at the end of the selection process when the employer wants you. Negotiate from a position of strength!
Make it interesting. You want the reader to pass it on to someone if he/she can't place you. You want them to talk about you.
Please note: This is a working document. If you have any additional suggestions or disagree with anything here, please let us know.