How to Write a CV

Your CV should always be sent with a covering letter.

The covering letter introduces you and complements the CV. It shows you have taken time to find out whom to contact and it may also give you the edge over other applicants; it is an opportunity to speak directly to the employer and elaborate on the content of your CV.

Remember:

  • The letter should be addressed to the right person - research this thoroughly beforehand. The letter should be brief and to the point. And it should reinforce key points from your CV but don't repeat information from it.

  • It should have three parts:
    1. The reason for writing e.g. "I was very interested in the article in July's Broadcast and your plans to use DVC for undercover filming".

    2. Selling points, or how your CV meets this need - flag up relevant points that are expanded on in your CV.

    3. A prompt for further action, e.g. "I'd welcome the chance to meet you…" And do follow up. Strike a balance between genuine interest and causing irritation.


Think about the style of the letter too. It should demonstrate professionalism but depending on the job and the department, the language can vary in formality as appropriate.

Writing a CV for the Media Industry

A CV is a marketing document. Unlike other industries, which employ personnel staff to filter job applications, your CV may arrive directly on the desk of the person with the authority to give you a job. This person will be very busy. Your CV has only seconds to make an impression. So…

* Write your CV with the potential employer in mind. Use only the most relevant information about your career, education and skills. Provide an accurate portrait of yourself. Remember, overselling is as bad as underselling.

  • * One standard CV for all employers is not enough. Ideally tailor your CV to each individual employer or at least tailor it to the type of employer you approach (e.g. broadcaster, corporate sector, education sector).

  • * Be positive, not apologetic.
  • * Be concise. Two pages should usually be the maximum length of your CV. Use the space wisely. This takes a great deal of thought and planning.
  • * Make sure it looks professional.
  • * Is it typed? Is it on good quality paper? Is the spelling correct? (Don't rely on a spell-check, print it out and ask others to proof it)
  • * Is it easy to read? Avoid long sentences. Use the active tense rather than the passive e.g. "undertook various roles" rather than "various roles were undertaken".
  • * Does the font you choose reflect the image of the job? Avoid old-fashioned fonts such as Times Roman. Arial is a safe bet. It is not a good idea to use more than one font in a document. Capitals, italics, underlining, etc. can be used to emphasise headlines and key points - but be consistent and exercise constraint, or the document may appear too fussy.


What an Employer is Looking For


When reviewing CVs employers want to know what you can do for them. They will be looking for the following information, which should be on the front page:

  • * A 'career objective' - who you are and what you can bring to the job
  • * Relevant key skills and achievements
  • * If you haven't worked in this area, what new ideas and skills can you bring from other areas you have worked in
  • * Who you have worked for that the employer knows and trusts
  • * Your address
  • * Where you can be contacted easily

* You can play about with the order, making sure that you highlight your skills and abilities wherever possible. But make the CV work for you and make the most of your experiences.

For more in-depth advice and assistance on writing a career changing CV, take a look at: www.greatcvs.co.uk