CV Tips

CV Tips

October 1, 2019 6:21 pm

The first step to making a good impression to a prospective employer is your CV. Here are our top 5 tips to writing the perfect CV.

1. Presentation matters

At first glance, your CV should look good. Make sure it’s concise and easy on the eye and always choose a standard font. Latest research highlights that recruiters spend on average just 8 seconds when reviewing a CV so make sure the important information jumps out.

2. Make it relevant

When applying it’s likely the individual who is reading your CV will be looking for relevant skills and experience for the job in question so tailor your CV, highlighting the experience and qualifications that are relevant to the position you are applying to. REMEMBER however to always be honest, highlighting relevant experience and qualifications are fine, making them up isn’t!

3. Include a short but concise personal statement

This is your opportunity to tell them who you are and what your key skills are. Don’t make the mistake of writing a full page history, a paragraph is about right. Let your personality shine through whilst keeping it relevant. The paragraph should be punchy, relevant and highlight your strengths.

4. Keep it to a maximum of three pages

Ideally you should keep your CV within two pages but as a rule, never have more than three. Your work history should start with the most recent first. A tip to keep your CV more concise is to simply list companies and job titles for any positions that are greater than 15 years ago. That part-time student role you had working behind that bar 30 years ago might have been fun but it’s unlikely that the experience will be relevant to the role you are applying to now!

5. Spell check and proofread

Check, then double check your CV for spelling errors and grammar. Use spell check and even go as far as asking someone else to proofread it for you. This is your first chance to impress so don’t get caught out with spelling errors on your CV.

Finally here is a list of relevant information we feel should always be on your CV, and remember we are always happy to help you prepare your CV so please feel free to give us a call if there is anything you would like to run past us.

Always remember to include the following:

•  Your contact details including full name, address, telephone numbers and e-mail address
•  Your education including school, college or university and professional qualifications
•  A synopsis / personal statement highlighting your strengths
•  You work history starting with the most recent
•  A couple of lines about your personal interests and hobbies
•  Any reference information