When writing your CV, consider the following:

• Your CV should be no more than two pages long so keep it concise and relevant – its purpose is to get you an interview, where you can elaborate on the detail during a face-to-face meeting with the company.

• Start with a personal profile or “mission statement” of one or two sentences, which summarises your skills and ambition and immediately creates a positive impression. Having a clear objective at the top of your CV is an easy way of quickly showing the employer why you are suitable for the role and are focused on their industry or that discipline.

• Detail your employment history in chronological order, starting with the most recent first.  Provide a brief explanation of your role, particularly drawing attention to the relevant experience you gained and specifically what you achieved in that position e.g. improved systems, increased sales, reduced costs etc – put these statements in bold.

• The correct use of “buzzwords” or technical terms in the correct context, will demonstrate that you have an understanding of the industry and an awareness of their business.

• It can also be beneficial to list your interests and hobbies, as these can help to establish you as a suitable candidate. For example, having an active interest in sports demonstrates that you are a team player, and any awards you have won show that you are motivated and goal-orientated. If you were team captain or President of any society, use these examples to show your leadership skills.

• If you are running out of space, rather than listing referee’s contact details, include a statement at the end such as “References available upon request”.

• Think carefully about the layout i.e. spacing, font type and font size. Ensure it is all in clearly defined sections to make it easy to read. Use bold text to draw attention to your achievements!

• It is vital that you read through your CV! Read it aloud to a friend to check if sentences flow and are easily understood. Be aware of spelling, grammar, repeated words, and the ease with which it can be read and ask someone else to proof-read it for you.

 

Perfecting your CV

Remember your CV is often the first point of contact you will have with a company, so it is vital that it stands out from the crowd!

It should not be a dull list of job roles and qualifications – it must emphasise your achievements and be results-orientated. Make it punchy, to the point, and specifically relevant to the position you are interested in.

It is advisable to create a standard CV and then tailor it for the role that you are applying for. Consider your CV as your personal marketing brochure: it needs to “sell” you to prospective employers, so market yourself as a valuable commodity that can be of great use to their company!

Good luck!