How Much Information Should Go Into My CV?
When a recruiter looks at and reads your CV, it's a bit like them walking into a shop. They expect to see certain things in the shop like a till, things to buy, people to help them, etc. If the shop had no shelves or things to buy then you would soon find that people walked out straight away. Your CV works in exactly the same way- if certain information isn't in your CV, the recruiters will walk away straight away and your CV goes straight into the rejected pile
Your first and second name should sit prominently at the top of your CV. There is no need for second (or more) names to be added). Leave it as plain and simple as you can and avoid pretense at all costs. A shortened version of your Christian name is increasingly acceptable, for example, Fred not Frederick is very normal nowadays. Using the name with which you answer the telephone will be fine
Your full postal address, complete with postcode or zip code is very important. An employer will need to contact you at some point, maybe even to offer you a job! Make sure that you also include a landline telephone number (home is best) as well as your mobile number. Most employers will call or leave a message on your mobile nowadays
Your personal profile or career statement. Make sure that following the basic information you include a personal statement. It doesn't need a heading, just go straight into it. Include what you can do (job title), for who (industry sector), where (geography), and also point to your track record. The employer basically needs to know in a nutshell whether you fit with the sort of role that they are looking to fill.
Career history. This needs to highlight your achievements in each of the jobs you've done over, say the last 8 years. Work experience further back in the past should be included in an "other" work section towards the end of the document. Work from your most recent achievements in reverse chronological order (work back)
Academic qualifications are different from professional qualifications. academic qualifications are gained at educational institutions like schools, universities, etc. Start with the highest level of qualification (which is usually the most recent as well), work through your qualifications and list them appropriately
Professional qualifications, unlike educational qualifications are gained through a training provider, company, individual or other organization. They are very different from academic or educational qualifications and should therefore be listed in a separate section of your CV. Show your success in taking additional training courses, personal development and the like, and write them down in the order: qualification, service provider, certificate number (if appropriate) and date(s) as appropriate
The last section of your CV is made up of hobbies, interests, other information, etc. This information is a bit like the relish on a burger- not much use without the main ingredient, but it can make the difference between a memorable meal or just another snack. Your interests should be factual. Never put your actual date of birth on your CV. There are far too many people who may want to make use of this valuable personal information who may wish to use it to steal your identity