A CV must be easy to follow and well laid out. Here are some helpful tips.
Layout
- Contacts details – To include name, address, telephone number and email. You can also your LinkedIn profile if applicable.
- Personal summary – This can be 3 or 4 lines at the top of your CV, highlighting your personality/characteristics, your successes, and outline the type of role or sector you would like to work in
- Education – Start with the most recent. You don’t have to document all your GCSE’s and O-Levels, but do mention A-Levels, BTECS and any Further Education you have attended including grades.
- Employment history – Again start with the most recent, ensuring dates (month/year) are accurate. 4 or 6 bullets points highlighting your key duties in each role provides the client with a clear picture of your skills/experiences and transferrable skills.
- Additional qualifications – These can be additional courses or training you have attended that will support your application.
- Successes/Recognition – Like a ‘vote for me’ section, this is your opportunity to highlight any awards whether work or personal that you feel will support your career ambitions and job fit.
- Hobbies/Interests – Clients like to know your motivations and interests. This also helps with team fit and provides a valuable insight into your personality, motivations, and traits.
- References – This is optional, and a client should only contact them with your approval. Pre-warn your referees to ensure they are happy to represent you, this can sometimes hold up the recruitment process
Check your CV – Read your CV and ask a friend to do the same. Spelling and grammatical errors can put a client off and prove costly.
Font/Style – Ensure the font you choose provides a professional opinion of you, multiple boxes, images, and logos can be distracting and deflect from the key information (your CV!).
Tailoring your CV – Whilst having a template CV is good, don’t be afraid to modify your CV to suit a specific role you’re applying for.
Misinformation – Ensure the information is a true reflection of you and your career to date. Clients will often check in the interview to ensure accuracy.
Length of CV – This can be tricky, especially if you have many years’ experience. 2-4 pages should be effective, and your CV will grab a client’s attention without becoming too wordy. You can always provide additional information/portfolios if required.
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