CV WRITING TIPS
Helping you stand out from the crowd!
We appreciate that some people may not know where to begin when it comes to writing a CV and what it is that you should include. A CV is an essential part of applying for jobs and it is important that it is up-to-date to apply for jobs instantly.
It's important to remember that a CV is the first representation of you and it is the best way for a prospective employer to know who you are, what you are capable of and how you will be an asset to their team.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Your CV should be a summary of who you are, your work history and your education. It should also highlight your qualities. The CV layout should be clear and concise and allow your experience speak for itself.
As our commitment to candidates, and to be an active member in the recruitment space, we have complied some easy steps below which should help you create a CV which will attract the right attention from your future employer or recruiter.
4. Chronological Order
When writing your information under each of your sections, it is helpful to present this in order, starting with your most recent achievements, employment, education etc. and then work backwards. If you have a lot of work history it is best to not go further than 10 years, unless these roles are relevant to the role you are applying for, or if you have been in one place of employment for a long time.
5. Don't Leave Gaps
When going through your employment history it is best to not leave any gaps. Gaps can make employers doubtful and they would rather know than assume the reasons. Whilst it can seem scary to highlight gaps, it is best to be honest.
6. Keep it Current
It is good practice to keep you CV up-to-date whether you are looking for a job or not. Every time you achieve something in your career, complete additional training or hit a milestone make sure to update your CV with this. Getting into this habit means you can record important things as they occur meaning you won't forget it later on.
7. Look out for Errors
Mistakes on your CV, such as spelling and punctuation will be noticed by Employers and can make the difference if you are up against another candidate. If you're unsure, try and use other resources that may be available to you such as spellcheckers or asking someone to look over this for you to check what you have written. Re-read your CV to ensure that you have not made any mistakes. It might be best to also look at it the next day as errors may be more obvious the second time.
8. Be Truthful
Telling lies within your CV can land you in trouble, especially if future employers complete a background check and ask references about your previous experience. Your CV may also be used as a tool within an interview and you may be asked about things that you have written. Honesty is the best policy.
9. Looking good!
Standing out from the crowd is important and your CV is no different. Take time to make your CV presentable and appealing. Use bullet points where you can (and where it make sense). Keep sentences short. Leave space between paragraphs and sections to make the layout easy to follow and read. It is also important that your contact information is easy to find and always up to date so employers can get in touch easily.
10. Extra, Extra!
Employers and Recruiters often have tens of CVs for every job post so using the above tips will help your CV stand out. Lastly, do not put use text boxes within your CV as there are often compatibility issues across different devices. Sending your CV in Microsoft Word is always beneficial but sending in a PDF does retain your CVs structure so it can look exactly how you wish when an Employer opens your CV. Highlighting key skills within your every day work could be the difference of you securing the role or not as it may be what the Employer is looking for!
1. Be Concise
Your CV should be no more than two A4 pages. On average, an employer spends no more than 8 seconds looking at any one CV. Don't send them an essay as they will move on to the next applicant. You can use bullet points if this will help limit your word count and make sure to include the skills you have used and your daily activities.
2. Personal Statement
This section allows you to describe to the employer your skillset, experiences and your achievements. This is usually the opening section to your CV and is the first chance to make a good first impression.
3. Sections
Use a clear layout and use separate sections on your CV, starting with your Personal Statement. You should also have clear sections for your Employment History, Education, Skills, Qualifications. You can also add a section for your Hobbies and Interests.