A CV has only one aim – to get you to the interview stage. To do this it must capture and hold the interest of a reader who many already have fifty similar documents on their desk! So what are the all-important Do’s and Don’ts of CV writing for the renewable energy sector?

"Top Tips For a winning CV" according to New Direction.

 Keep it short Two pages is the ideal. Think about what is relevant from the recruiter’s point of view, and what is going to make you stand out from the crowd.

If you have a highly technical background that is relevant to the job you’re applying for – knowledge of specialised computer programs, or experience in scientific research projects – it’s better to put these in an appendix at the back of the CV.

 Keep it neat Your CV should draw the recruiter’s attention to those things that make you a “must see” candidate, so make it easy to read. There’s nothing wrong with a bit of white space on a CV, whereas big blocks of print will deter even the most enthusiastic reader.

Use bullet points to make your achievements stand out. Don’t overdo the use of bold fonts, and keep the formatting consistent. Above all, avoid confusion - you may know what you mean, but will the recruiter?

 Keep it conventional This means no photographs, no coloured paper, no clever fonts, no humour. You want your CV to stand out from the crowd, but not in this way!

 Keep it accurate There is no excuse for spelling errors, or poor grammar. Check everything you’re unsure of, and get someone else to read through it – it’s so easy to miss a typing mistake, even when you’ve read it a dozen times.

 Choose your style Most recruiters prefer CVs written in reverse chronological style – your last (or current) job first, going backwards. Occasionally, a functional format can work, where someone has followed an unconventional career path and wants to highlight the skills and experience obtained. But even then, a brief chronology of jobs is still recommended to make it absolutely clear how you have developed your education and experience.

 What to include… There’s a lot to be said for a brief personal profile - no more than three or four lines - near the top of your CV, which defines clearly the sort of role you see yourself as suited to, and mentions any attributes which are particularly relevant. Follow that with your qualifications, skills and experience, then some brief personal details. Use active, rather than passive verbs.

 … And what to leave out Avoid using buzzwords – “self-starter”, “hands-on”, “track record” and “proactive” and never use abbreviations without first explaining them in full.

Include hobbies which give an insight into you as a person and shows special skills or achievement, but leave out passive hobbies like reading or listening to music, unless it’s a something out of the ordinary.

And more on the Careers in renewable energy website...

1. Dealing with gaps
2. “Show don’t tell”
3. The Covering Letter

http://www.careersinrenewables.co.uk/cv.htm

This website has been developed by New Direction, a careers consultancy based near Reading, Berkshire (UK). Initially formed to provide careers advice and guidance to those in the energy and utility industries, New Direction has grown rapidly and now provides careers support to graduates, executives and career changers throughout the Thames Valley.

You will find more information about the industry of RES, the jobs, the skills... http://www.careersinrenewables.co.uk/index.htm