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There is no perfect CV, just those that
work and those that don’t.
Your CV must get you noticed - it is your sales document and tells
a prospective employer what you are offering and how you match their
needs.
It should be forward looking, pro-active and geared
to the reader and to the position to which you are applying.
Most importantly, it should highlight your
relevant key skills and achievements.
The function of a CV is to get you the interview!
It should say just enough to whet an employer’s appetite so
that they want to meet you to hear more.
How would you shortlist 50 CVs to 5 for interview……?
PRESENTATION AND LAYOUT IS IMPORTANT
Print out each page of your CV and lay them out
in front of you to check for consistency of style.
Your CV should look attractive and be easy to scan
quickly. Leave plenty of white space and use ‘bold’
and ‘CAPITALS’ for headings and to differentiate text.
Avoid a text heavy approach by using bullet points
for emphasis and headings eg ‘Achievements’
will draw the eye!
CONTENT IS KEY
State your key skills,
both technical and personal which relate to your experience so far
and which are transferable to the target position.
Either write a ‘profile’
which is a punchy, crisp and concise statement similar to a self
advertisement or, bullet point your skills for emphasis.
In reverse chronological order, be factual and
concise about key job responsibilities
and put them in context given the nature and size of the business.
Quote key achievements
within each role and quantify them - think about what you’ve
done that you are proud of and which demonstrate the value
you have added to the business.
- do not…. state
salary, reason for leaving a job, use abbreviations particular
to your company, or underline headings.
- do… present key relevant
‘Education’ and
professional ‘Qualifications’
and out of work ‘Interests’
under headings, together with your date of birth.
…and all of this
on no more than 2 sides of A4!
Proof reading your CV is vital. Get someone else
to check it for you.
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