C.V Writing Tips
When it comes to writing a CV there is no magic formula, but spending time on crafting a professional and considered effort is often an essential factor in helping you secure a new position. Some of the basic tips you should follow are:
- Avoid writing War and Peace. A CV is a tool to get you an interview, so you don’t need to list everything you have ever done. Try to keep it to two pages at the most.
- Include enough detail to give the employer a good indication of your experience. Avoid using small sentences such as “Daily Reporting” in favour of more detailed explanations like “Monitor daily reporting to ensure all management information is accurate and KPI’s are achieved”.
- Avoid listing every job you’ve had since college, simply summarise in a couple of lines and keep it relevant.
- Keep additional information/interests and hobbies brief, but remember this is an opportunity to reflect your personality. Some employers use this in the recruitment process, so if you have a passion for technology and the role requires someone technology minded this can be seen as favourable, even if you have not have experience in the field.
- Avoid using clichés like “team player”, “ability to work on my own” and “time management skills”.
- Try not to use company specific jargon and acronyms. Employers need to find every part of your CV easy to understand.
- Tailor your CV to each role you apply for. This can be achieved through your personal statement and the body of copy highlighting responsibilities that are be relevant to the potential new role.
- Ensure the formatting is correct. Use the same font throughout and make sure your contact details are correct and easily visible.
- Always think about your audience. Employers can browse through hundreds of CV’s so it is essential to make sure your CV is engaging, clear, concise and most importantly a true reflection of your value as an employee.
- Don’t be afraid to highlight any achievements within your current. A CV is your opportunity to sell yourself.
- Remember to include your education, training and qualifications. Start with the highest level and work backwards. If you posses ones relevant to obtaining the role, for example a Management Accountant where the CIMA qualification is essential, highlight them early on.
- Your Career History should start from the most recent employer working backwards in a chronological order. Display only months and years and avoid leaving any unexplained gaps. Make sure your dates are as accurate as possible.