Tips on writing your C.V.
When writing your CV, always bear in mind the following general tips:
Make it easy to read
Make sure the format of the CV is well laid-out, with clear headings and not overly cramped.
Keep your CV to a manageable size to ensure that a prospective employer does not lose
interest before he gets to the end. Do not fall into the trap of reducing the font to a hard to
read size in order to make it fit to the desired length.
Keep it simple
The CV provides a summary of your professional and personal achievements and
qualifications. It should be used to draw attention to the qualities you believe are relevant
to the position without providing unnecessary or superfluous information. Your CV
should enable you to provide additional detail and background at the following interview.
Tailor the CV to the job opportunity
Make sure the CV is directly focused on the company you are applying to. Place most
emphasis on the skills and qualifications which most closely match the job on offer. A
prospective employer will be unimpressed if he receives a CV which looks as if it was
targeted at a completely different type of job.
Double check for errors
Spelling mistakes and errors in a CV tell the employer that you are sloppy in your work
and do not pay attention to detail. Check your CV and cover letter carefully to ensure
that it reads well and does not contain silly mistakes or unnecessary repetitions. Do
not simply rely on the spell check function. It is a good idea to have a friend or colleague
read your CV with a fresh pair of eyes - it is difficult for you to look at your CV
objectively after reading it several times.
Be honest
All employers view honesty as an essential characteristic for employees. If information
provided on your CV is found to be untruthful, your application will be immediately
discarded. Lying is therefore a waste of time both for yourself and the prospective employer.
CV contents
Although there is no standard format of layout for a CV, there are a number of basic
sections which should be included in the information provided.
Personal information
Full name, address and contact details (including phone number & email address
where available), date of birth, nationality and marital status.
Professional experience
Starting with most recent position first, include employer's full name, location, position(s)
held and start and end dates. Use bullet points to list main achievements and
responsibilities. If you are seeking your first job, list any relevant work experience,
including summer jobs and unpaid work.
Education
Starting with most recent first, include educational establishment's full name, location,
and start and end dates. List academic qualifications obtained and other relevant
achievements. Higher education qualifications (MBAs, PhDs, University Degrees, etc.)
are worthy of attention but be brief with schooling if you have been working for several years.
Professional qualifications and other skills
List professional qualifications (awards, certificates, associations or recognised skills).
Include computer and language capabilities and any other skills which may be
relevant to the job. If you have extra-curricular activities which you believe
demonstrate additional abilities (e.g. leadership) to an employer, list them briefly.
Do not include qualifications which have little relevance (e.g. scuba diving certificate).
References
If you provide references, make sure that your referees are aware that you
have asked them to act in this capacity and that you are comfortable they will
provide positive support to your application. If you put 'available on request',
make sure that they can be provided promptly.
Sample curriculum vitae
Mehdi Kamel
3, Ahmed El Dardiri
Heliopolis, Cairo
0022 349-xxxx (home)
mkamel@egyptmail.com
Date of Birth: 4th June 1968
Nationality: Egyptian
Age: 32
Marital Status: Single
k e y s k i l l s a n d e x p e r i e n c e
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Five years of corporate banking experience two highly-regarded Middle East banks
Strong track record in achieving impressive growth in loan portfolio whilst maintaining
strict credit quality
In-depth knowledge of Islamic products and services
Specific expertise in construction, industrial and manufacturing sectors in Egypt and Saudi Arabia
Proficiency in all aspects of financial analysis and credit assessment
Significant international exposure through both professional career and personal travels
Fluency (written and spoken) in both Arabic and English
e m p l o y m e n t
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1998 to date United Arab Bank, Cairo
Assistant Manager, Corporate Banking Division
Responsible for all aspects of business relationships with corporate customers in the
construction sector, including loans and advances, deposit taking and trade financing.
Contributed towards a 30% growth in the Loans and Advances portfolio whilst simultaneously
introducing a new credit procedure which achieved a 25% reduction in non-performing loans.
1996-1998 Saudi European Bank, Riyadh
Banking Executive, Credit Department
Helped develop and market a range of new range of Islamic products and services.
Successfully completed International Finance development programme.
e d u c a t i o n
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1993-1996 American University, Cairo
Bachelor of Business Administarion
Specialisation in International Finance
l a n g u a g e s
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Arabic (mother tongue)
English (fluent spoken and written.
o t h e r
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Highly proficient in MS Excel, Word, Access, Windows 98/2000 and the Internet
Full driving licence
References available on request
