Top 10 CV Tips

Creating the perfect CV can be a challenge. Not only are you are relying on two pages to convey your personality, skills and experience but in today’s economy you’re up against more competition than ever.

Here are our top CV tips:

1. Less is more 

 The most common mistake is writing too much. The average recruiter spends less than 60 seconds scanning a CV, so keep it to two pages

2. Check your grammar and spelling

 Nothing looks worse than stating your ‘great attention to detail’ when your CV is full of spelling mistakes and typos. Ask someone to check it as we often can’t spot our own mistakes.

3. Keep it simple

Language should be clear and concise and avoid jargon or technical terms. By writing in general business terms you give the impression you understand more than just your area of specialism.

4. Avoid fancy formatting

Remember what looks great on your PC screen might not display well elsewhere so keep formatting to a minimum. Recruitment consultancies often use their own templates, so make sure your CV is easy to copy and paste.

5. Mind the gaps

Your CV should read as a continuous, chronological flow of activities, so make sure you explain any gaps such as travelling, maternity leave, sabbaticals etc.

6. Use power words

Recruiters are looking for key words, so approach your CV from their perspective and stick to standard job titles and use key search words.

7. Back it up

Ensure that everything you say is quantified by specifying the actions you took and the results and/or benefits – the key is to say HOW you achieved something, not just that you achieved it.

8. Bespoke it

This is one of the best-kept recruitment secrets: every role is different, so you need to tailor your CV to that role. Go through the advert or job spec carefully and emphasize your relevant skills and experience on your tailored CV.

9. Be honest

In the current economy, stating that you were made redundant doesn’t reflect badly on you. And if you don’t include it the reader might assume you were fired.

10. Interests and activities

Although your interests and activities may be really interesting, unless they’re relevant to the role or demonstrate a particular skill, keep this section to a minimum.

 

It does take time and effort to create the perfect CV, but get it right and it’s your most powerful ally at helping secure your dream job.

 

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