A CV is a summary in point form of your personal details, your qualifications, academic achievements, skills, experience and interests.
All job advertisements will ask for a CV. Although it is not the only thing considered, a well presented CV is a good start. It can be of use to sell yourself especially in the "Interests" and "Special skills" sections in a profession where the applicants you are competing with, have the same qualification as you.
Your CV should present well and be free of spelling or grammatical mistakes. It is very important that it is concise, clear and accurate and above all truthful.
Including a photo in which you look neat and professional may help your CV stand out. Use standard, neat lettering. Do not attempt to make your CV stand out with the use of decorative edges, bright colours, etc. Using neat blue headings and bullet points is Acceptable. The CV must both look good (professional) and be easy to read.
Personal information
Your full name
Your address (both at Uni and at home)
Date of birth (optional)
Contact numbers and e-mail address
Marital status and nationality (optional)
Health - if excellent you can make a remark. Any health issues which may impact on the job you are applying for must be disclosed at the interview after the prospective employer has met you and will be able to assess you fairly. However you do not not need to disclose them in the CV.
Employment and Education History
Tertiary
List degrees and institutions
Unfinished degrees are not listed. You may refer to a course in progress in your cover letter.
List any academic or leadership awards.
List any other training that may be relevant to your career, e.g languages.
Secondary
List institution where you completed high school.
List awards, leadership positions, academic distinctions.
A list of academic results is not necessary.
Special Skills - Any additional qualifications or skills - computer literacy, First Aid, Hills Nutrition Courses, certificates in anything! Please note that some skills may be more appropriately listed under "Interests".
Professional Employment History
In the absence of previous employment as a veterinarian, list your major placements and any employment that may be considered "veterinary" or animal related. This would include experience as a vet nurse, or general practice assistant, or even holiday employment in retail or customer service roles. List these experiences in reverse chronological order. Include a brief description or your duties and responsibilities at each job.
Course Related Work Experience
List academic associate practices where you have spent time and give a brief description of the practice type e.g., Companion Animal, Mixed or 85% Small animal and 15% Equine.
Area of Special Interest
If you have special interests or skills, by all means flaunt them. As a new graduate you may have developed a particular interest in an aspect of veterinary work. It is even better if you can demonstrate this. Many practices would for instance like to have someone keen on ultrasound, or exotics, or clinical pathology. You could write a few sentences about your final year electives, but keep it brief.
Hobbies and Interests
List them all. many employers want to know that you are a well rounded person. If you and a potential employer share certain interests, it could be a plus.
Referees
Three referees are standard. It is acceptable to list more, but they may not all be contacted, so list the "best" ones first.
If you are able to list practicing vets, this may bear more weight than your academic contacts. Your academic contacts may be unwilling to promote one student over another.
You must always get permisson from your potential referees. Most are flattered and delighted to be asked.
Written references are a bonus, but not essential.
REMEMBER TO CHECK YOUR GRAMMAR AND SPELLING METICULOUSLY!
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