CV Tips

Getting your CV right is the key to presenting yourself to future employers. It is your opportunity to show all the features and qualities that make you the perfect choice. Spending some time getting it right is time that has been well invested.

These tips show you the key things you need to think about to make sure your CV shows you in the best light.

Choose the right format

Recruiters, HR Professionals and Business Managers will spend moments initially scanning your CV. This means that you need to make sure that is clear and easy to read. You should use broad titles, clear jargon- free paragraphs and make use of easy to use tables/graphics and bullet points.

There is a confusing array of CV templates on websites but it’s best to keep it clear and simple. You need to stick to the following broad categories;

1. Personal details including contact information
2. Personal Statement
3. Technical Skills including Memberships, Training Courses and Certificates
4. A chronological list of your employers including dates of employment, role and duties/scope with selected achievements
5. Education
6. Personal Interests
7. Referee/s

Highlight what will make you stand out amongst your competition

Competition for jobs can be fierce so you need to make sure you stand out. You need to work out what makes your application special and highlight that area of your CV. Do not fall into the trap of expecting employers to dig for information or read between the lines. Make your achievements clear as this is your first and only opportunity to show them off.

Target your future employer and tailor your CV

This is a very good investment of your time and making the effort to ensure that your CV reflects the requirements of the roles you are applying for will dramatically increase your chance of securing an interview. Employers will make no assumptions when it comes to your skills and achievements and you need to spell out any that may be relevant to them. Once your basic template is written it is a quick and easy process to add/highlight anything.

Check, check and check again

Your CV is your first opportunity to market yourself and if it has errors on it, employers will notice them. Once your CV is sent out, it is too late to repair the damage of poor grammar, sloppy work, incorrect data or typos. Proof read your work several times before you hit the send button.

Always keep your CV up to date and ready to go

You will save yourself a great deal of time if you keep your CV up to date. Ideal opportunities often come up when we least expect them so having a CV ready with recent projects and achievements will make sure you can seize the opportunity as soon as it opens. Keeping your CV up to date will also avoid missing out important pieces of information. Just remember to edit the information as you go and remove information that is no longer relevant or you could end up with an autobiography rather than a CV.