Writing a CV can be a daunting experience, especially if you haven’t had to in a few years. Below we have given you some handy tips to help you along the way.
2 Page Rule
A good CV is clear, concise and to the point. You don’t have to list every single duty from a previous role or every single skill you have, keep it simple and relevant. A CV is generally the first thing an employer will use to find out more about you, often employers skim read for the main points/experience that they are looking for so it’s a good idea to stick to 2 pages as a maximum.
Key Information
On your CV it’s important to give the right information under headings. These include;
- Personal/Contact Information
- Profile/Personal Summary
- Skills/Knowledge
- Work Experience
- Education/Qualifications
- Interests
- References
Formatting
Making sure that your CV is formatted correctly and is consistent throughout. This includes spacing, bullet points, bold text and underlines. Employers are judging you based on your CV, so make it neat and tidy.
Relevance
It’s a good idea to add points or tweak your CV when applying for certain roles. You could also do this with a cover letter explaining your relevant experience and knowledge. Checking the job description for key words and experience needed is important to be able to highlight your similar skills in your CV and make them noticeable.
Spell Check, Spell Check, Spell Check!!!
You would be surprised how many people don’t think to spell check their CV before submitting it for a role. This a rookie error and a spelling mistake can put an employer off instantly, so this is a very important point!
Make the most of your skills
Skills and knowledge is something that can make you stand out. Can you speak another language, lead a team or have great IT skills? Be sure to think hard about your list.
If you need some more advice or would like our help in creating your CV, feel free to get in touch!