CV writing tips for the 40+
Advice on how to write a good CV for the British job market
I've lost my job - I want to change career
What do you want from your next job? - Career values

What do you want from your next job? - Career values
CV stands for ‘curriculum vitae’ which means ‘course of life’. There is no right or wrong way to structure your CV. You will find there are lots of different styles that are promoted. This website will cover two proven formats that work for applicants who are over 40 and have either lost their job or want to change their career.

It used to be considered that the longer the CV, the better the applicant. A long CV will work against you. You need a CV that will get you successfully through the paper sift and on to the interview stage. Two sides of A4 is the maximum. Realistically the member of staff looking at your CV will only spend 30 seconds reading it before they move on to the next one.

The vacancy you are applying for may require a different skill set than those you use in your current position. Your CV should always focus on the most relevant information. You may have to reduce the information offered on your current job and elaborate on the information on the previous role or outside activities. Expectation is for 5 year contracts not jobs for life. Do not get hung up about your age. If you are over 40 you have life and job experience.

List what you want in a job. List what is important to you. Then list what you do not want to have to do in a new job i.e. 2 hour commute, stand/walk/sit for eight hours. On the next page I will talk about how to work out what your transferable skills and interests are but before we consider those think about what you liked about your old job and what you do not want in your new one. Please add to the list below.