Help Please!, CV Writing. Options

[Jungfrauenregalbass]

I'm applying for a job playing an organ, but I need to write a CV which I've never done before.
So can anyone give me some advice on how to do it please?

Thanks

Ben again.

[Mad Tom]

I'm applying for a job playing an organ, but I need to write a CV which I've never done before.
So can anyone give me some advice on how to do it please?

Thanks

Ben again.

1. The purpose of the CV is to to get an interview
2. The purpose of the interview is to get a job offer
3. Then you decide whether you want it or not

Keep it brief (ideally one page)
Make recent, relevant experience most prominent (reverse chronology is usually best)
Be selective, and don't shoot yourself in the foot. Include only what is relevant (but cover any long gaps with something like "Unrelated employment")
Don't list all your qualifications. The highest level is usually enough
Avoid slang and jargon
Get the layout, grammar, and spelling checked by someone competent in those areas
Don't include a photo unless you are asked for one
Don't label it CV or Curriculum Vitae. It is obvious that is what it is.
Remember to include all your contact details: Address, eMail, mobile, land-line
Print it on good quality thick paper - not the cheapest copy paper that you usually use in your printer.
(and use a laser printer or a good inkjet with freshly cleaned nozzles and set to high print quality)

[ianporsche]

Try and include skills etc rather than just a dry list of what you've done. Think about what you can bring to your employer.

[Lizzy violin]

I agree with the above, but one of the most important things is to keep it brief, just one sheet of paper.

No point in filling with estra things you think are importnat if no one is going to read it.

If it's for a specific position put all the stuff particularly relevant in there at the top.

Try and look at it from the point of view of the employer (And do check the spelling)

Good luck

[TSax]

When I'm looking through CVs / application forms / covering letters selecting people to interview I'm looking for the following:

1. That the person has the appropriate minimum qualifications ('A'-levels, degree)
2. Any qualifications over and above the minimum (e.g. postgrad)
3. Relevant experience
4. Anything I can use to base some of my interview questions on e.g. final year project, outside interests, gap-year experience etc - this isn't necessary for the candidate to get an interview, but it helps to make the interview experience better for both of us.
5. Somewhere, whether it's on the CV or the covering letter, some indication of personality, individuality, something to make them stand out a bit - I'm not talking about the gimmicks that e.g. media/advertising candidates might use to get a job, but some interest in an outside work hobby is good. I quite like it when the "Other Interests" section is a written paragraph rather than a list - personality can come across in the writing. Again, this isn't necessary, but it's something that might swing it for a borderline candidate