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How to Write a CV: The Ultimate Checklist

Just before you seal your CV in the envelope and head off to the postbox, why not refer to this 20-item checklist that is intended to help reassure you that your CV is as good as it could be. See how yours measures up in its current state.

Have you researched the role you're applying for as well as you possibly can? Is your research reflected in the content of your CV?
Double-check that all your contact details are up to date. Make sure you've given a mobile number and your email address. If your email is something like fluffybunnyinboobooland362436@hotmail.com, consider changing it for something that sounds a tad more professional.
Does your profile statement explicitly target the role you're applying for?
Have you provided evidence to back up anything you've said about yourself in your profile?
Have you quantified the information in your CV as much as possible?
Have you put your achievements in order of relevance and significance to fit the job you're applying for?
Have you used terminology that people outside your present company will understand?
Check that you've avoided jargon, acronyms and abbreviations where possible.
Does your CV look balanced? Have you put most emphasis on your most recent career with diminishing levels of detail as you go back in time to earlier roles? Remember that corporate pre-history began about six years ago.
Does your CV sound upbeat? Does it read as though you are enthusiastic about tackling the role?
Are you confident that you could talk through any aspect of your CV if it came up at an interview? Eliminate any content that you may feel uncomfortable discussing rather than creating a hostage to fortune.
Double-check any dates. There are a surprising number of CVs in circulation where people managed to start a job in 2003 and leave it in 2001.
Make sure that you have given the reference for the job you are applying for and where you saw that advert.
Have you provided all the information that the advertisement specified, such as salary details, dates available for interview, etc.?
Check for typos. Sounds obvious I know, but it's so easy to let a phew slip though the net. Don't rely on your software package's spellchecker - the number of senior 'mangers' that show up on CVs is staggering.
Have you used good-quality paper and a good printer for your CV and covering letter? If it's an application form, have you completed it in black ink to ensure that it will photocopy well?
Have you asked somebody to look through your CV?
Put your application into an A4 envelope and send it out by first-class post.
Feel free to add anything to the checklist that strikes you as helpful.
If you haven't been doing so already, from now on keep an ongoing note of your achievements at work and any job changes so that you're prepared for when you next need to go through this entire process.


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