CV Tips
There is no definitive way to set out a CV but whatever your profession or wherever you are in your career, there are certain guidelines to aid success.
First impressions count: You have just thirty seconds to sell yourself on paper! Your CV must be well presented and ‘easy on the eye’. Proof your CV for spelling and grammar mistakes and then ask an independent eye to re-check it. A single spelling mistake can have a dramatic effect on an employer's perceptions.
Keep it simple: Busy employers do not have time to wade through lengthy paragraphs of personal history. Keep your CV short and concise. A school or college leaver may reasonably stick to one page, but even several years' work experience should never exceed two pages. Bullet-points are preferable to lengthy prose. Remember that prospective employers make judgements by 'scanning' your CV. Key skills and achievements must be highlighted in order to grab attention!
Structure your CV: See our example for a template to structure your CV. However, whether you follow our format or not, make sure you follow a logical, well laid out structure to assist the reader. Headings effectively guide readers through your CV. Remember - most recent job first.
A CV will get you an interview; it won't get you the job! A common mistake is to give too much information. Marital status, the number of children you have or even your nationality has no bearing on your ability to do the role. An employer does not need to know your life history, only your ability to do the job.
Gear your CV to the role: If you have a job spec for the role you are applying for, ensure that your most relevant experience is highlighted on your CV. A good idea is to save a 'skeleton' CV on your PC. This will enable you to tweak it towards different roles. Achievements within the workplace are definitely worth documenting as they demonstrate success within the role.
Go to example CV
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