Curriculum Vitae (CV)

This skills quick reference sheet will help you identify your own skills. Please make a copy of it before you work on it.

Recruiters and employers take 15-20 seconds to scan your CV the first time. If you make a good impression, they'll read your CV more closely. Key points to make your CV look good:

• use a black, easy-to-read font in one size

• use short sentences and break up blocks of text

• use bullet points to list information

• keep the tone formal

• avoid abbreviations, slang or jargon

• avoid photos or images

• have strong headings and lots of white space

• keep your CV to two pages.

Cover Letters.

When you send your CV to an employer, make sure you include a cover letter. Your cover letter should:

• explain why you want the job

• explain what you can offer the employer

• highlight skills, qualifications and experience that you have that match the job.

Use the example Cover Letter and template from the Careers NZ website to help you write your own Cover Letter.