Application Forms
The advantage of an application form is that the employer has decided what to ask you about and how much prominence they give to education, work experience etc. The challenge comes in the section which deals with ‘competencies’ – here you will have to answer extended and multipart questions designed to test your level of ability in team working, problem solving, leadership, time management and other key skills.

CV
Many smaller organisations ask for applications in the form of a CV and covering letter.

Essentially, a CV needs to be dynamic. It includes a summary of your educational background, work experience, any publications, presentations, awards, and affiliations or memberships you may have.

To create a basic CV, start by profiling your assets. List all you educational and training qualifications, all your jobs with responsibilities, skills gained and achievements, spare time activities and any achievements. A CV should never be longer than two pages, never in the first person, always on clean white paper, only includes relevant information, uses positive language (‘I initiated’ or ‘I set up’) and gives evidence of the skills the employer is looking for.

Often employers appreciate a few introductory sentences, such as ‘A dynamic graduate, with wide ranging skills in the voluntary environmental sector, looking for a challenging and exciting position.’

It's often helpful to take a look at a sample or two before you start writing. A suggested order of information is:

Sample Curriculum Vitae Template

CONTACT INFORMATION
Name
Address
Telephone
Email

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Date of Birth
Citizenship

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
List in chronological order, include position details and dates
Work History

EDUCATION
Include dates and details of degrees, training and certification
Secondary School or College
University
Graduate School
Post-Doctoral Training

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Certifications and Accreditations
Computer Skills

AWARDS

PUBLICATIONS

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

INTERESTS