Need help writing your CV?
Keep It Short
The golden rule is that a good CV can be limited to 2 sides of A4 paper without missing out on any of your skills, experience and qualifications. Avoid long, unpunctuated sentences – this could lead to the person viewing your CV to lose interest. Keep it punchy, relevant and clear remembering to use a simple, professional looking type font. Also, avoid using any informal phrases – your CV is a professional document.
Have Things In The Right Order
What comes first – qualifications, experience, hobbies??? The interviewer will be looking to see how you meet the requirements to fill their vacancy. Start with a strong opening statement outlining who you are, what are your skills, experience and strengths. This will be the first thing that the interviewer will read about you so make sure it stands out and makes them interested in you. Starting with the most recent role cover your work history to date, then a summary of your education and qualifications plus any other training you may have had that may be relevant. Finally, add a few of your hobbies and interests – this gives the interviewer an idea of the person you are outside the office.
Keep It Relevant
Does your CV have what the job is looking for? This is your opportunity to sell yourself to the company. Highlight how you match the skills and experience that the job needs – if they are looking for particular experience then illustrate exactly how you’ve done this. Make sure every cover letter you send is tailored specifically to that job.
Keep It Up To Date
Be sure to keep adding to your CV – if you exceed targets in your job, be sure to add them, if your job title changes or you move up in the company then add these details. If you take any further training or qualifications add the information – everything helps build a stronger picture of you.
Avoid Gaps
Any gaps in between dates will need to have a reason. You may have genuine reasons, travelling or voluntary work for example, but be prepared to answer any questions that may be asked in an interview.
Keep It Accurate
If you’ve achieved something make sure you can prove it. Are all the dates right, have you got the qualifications in the right order? Everything will be read from start to finish by the interviewer so make sure everything is 100%
Check It!
Once your CV is finished and ready to be sent to job applications make sure you do one last thing….read it! There is nothing worse than spending all that time preparing the CV and application letter than to send it off with spelling mistakes or sending it to the wrong person. If you can – get someone else to read through it.
Remember – check it, check it and check it again!
