CV Tips & Templates

CV references are usually straightforward. They're people who can give first hand information relevant to your job applications and testify to your skills, character and experience. Choosing references, however, can be considerably more complex in some cases.

Choosing your referencesYou need a good references who can speak on the same professional level as your new employer. In principle, the preferred choices of referees are managers or supervisors who can speak to other managers and supervisors on the same level. This does mean "speaking the same language", in terms of employment prospects, looking at your application from the same perspective.


Although many supervisors and managers will be happy to provide references, you need to consider which of them will make the best impression on a potential new employer. Some references mean well, but they're not great talkers. Don't ask a reference for something that's impossible for them to deliver.

• The preferred profile for a good referee is:
• Articulate, able to express themselves well. 
• Well spoke, clear speaker easy to understand.
• Authoritative, sounds like a boss.
• Knowledgeable about your work and personal achievements.

Problems with referencesYour employment history tells a story. One of the most common questions about references is "Why no references from this recent employer?" You may well have a very good reason for that situation, but the gap is still noticeable, and needs filling. In some cases you actually have better references from other sources. You may never want to see your recent manager again.


Whatever the reason, prepare a response to this inevitable question, so you don't trip over it during an interview. You may be able to get a reference from the prior employer from another source. You may want to point out that under the circumstances of your departure from that employer you didn't consider it appropriate to ask for references. You can then add that one of your other references is a fully qualified person to provide references in relation to the job.


Professional referencesIn some professions and industries, your references are themselves a quality check on your application. Working for big name employers is a real career asset, and so are their references. However, the same criteria apply for choosing your references, with some additional considerations created by your line of work:


Business references: Target your references, using appropriate managers or supervisors in relation to the new job. If you're going for a sales job, you'd use a sales manager as a reference.


Technical jobs and IT job references: These jobs really do involve speaking another language, and your reference must be able to deal with any technical questions about your work. Technically qualified managers or highly qualified technical experts are the best references.


Academic references: For postgraduates, academic references in some professions and sciences can be difficult/impossible for those outside the profession. Your reference must be someone who can deal with advanced questions at this level. A former lecturer or a recognized expert in the field is the best reference.

Taken from http://www.cvtips.com/resumes-and-cvs/cv-reference-list-tips.html

------------------------- Sample -------------------------

WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE IN YOUR CV

You need a good CV or Resume to promote yourself in the current competitive job market. Your CV or Resume speaks for you before you speak to your interviewer.

So, how do you create a CV that speaks for you?

Your CV should have the following information:

• Personal Details

• Personal Objective

• Educational Qualifications

• Working Experience

• Responsibilities

• Specialisation

• Reference

HOW YOUR CV / RESUME SHOULD LOOK LIKE

LINDA BROWN

No 125, Jalan 41/69C,

85641 Bukit Alam,

Selangor Darul Ehsan.

Ph : 603-86917265

HP : 013-6258745

E-mail : linda.b@gmail.com

Personal Objective

To gain the position of a customer service administrator utilizing my experience in providing customer service in a growth oriented organization.

Education Qualifications

1	Bachelor (Hons) of Business Administration - Northumbria University	2001
2	Cambridge A-Levels - 4 A – Including Mathematics and Science	1998

Work Experience

No.	Position, Organization & Responsibilities	Duration
1.	Customer Service Administrator Edinco Associates, Johor Serve as resource to customer satisfaction representatives by responding to customer inquiries Handle the tasks of creating and maintaining master files within Opt vision for all paper mills. Coordinate with production planners and logistics for scheduling and shipping process of orders Responsible for scheduling meetings and travel for team members as well as processes telephone and mail inquiries for team members Maintain and replenish required office supplies Manage pricing by ensuring that control documents are in place for each customer as required Provide administrative support to Customer Service Supervisor and Customer Service Manager	January 2008 till date

Skills

1. Keyboard 40 words per minute
2. Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access – Advanced Level

Other Information

Languages – Indicate language spoken and written with proficiency level between 1 – 10 being 10 as highest.

Skills – Include skills that you have which will increase the interest of potential employer.

References/Referees

You should name two references in your CV – namely one academic and one employer. You should include their name, position, address and contact details. But remember to get your references permission before giving out their information and also keep them posted on your career movement.

If you do not have enough space, then just state that references is available on request.

When you write your CV, ensure that:

• Your CV is for a specific job – Ensure that you have mentioned all skills that is listed on the job advertisement. You may use back the same words on your CV.
• Indicate what is your contribution to the company – Do include your achievements and results achieved.