CV Writing Tips & Advice

There's no time like the present to refresh and revitalise your CV.

You never know when that ideal job will present itself, so be ready and be first in those very high piles of CVs… or a professional recruiter’s first thought as that fabulous job comes in.

How?

Think of your favourite TV advert and what draws you in, then think just how much creativity your CV could use. It’s your personal advert and the gateway to your dream job! Get noticed for all the right reasons; your talents, potential and desire for success…

Whether you are applying directly or engaging a professional recruiter to assist you, ‘dress your CV to impress’! Match the type and level of role you are applying for in such a way that employers/recruiters find you interesting as a candidate, thinking carefully about factual emphasis and creative balance.

Prioritise your information to catch attention, including evidence of what you offer. Stretch yourself in terms of the way you write and the words you use. A CV has its own grammar not necessarily using sentences and paragraphs. Imagine how a professional recruiter would compose a concise profile about you; add an attractive yet simplistic style, and you will be spot on track.

Avoid:

• Boxes, graphics and templates
• Photos (unless you are a performer) 
• The use fancy fonts (Tahoma and Verdana are perfect for email)
• Your CV being longer than 2/3 pages
• Creating a believable web of deceit, be totally honest
• One size does not fit all, tailor your CV regularly
• Using your ‘teenage’ email address that used to be funny
• Stating your date of birth focus on your ability

Ensure you:

• Take time to create a CV that stands out and add a covering letter
• Use key words as often software is used to identify and shortlist CV’s
• Back up factual qualifications, skills and experience with examples
• Be succinct making sure your CV is current as well as relevant
• Demonstrate integrity, commitment and desire
• Start with your most recent role first, accounting for any gaps
• Are accurate, proof reading and testing on your friends
• Use 10 point size to create space

Before you start writing your new and improved CV, pause. Take out a clean sheet of paper, think and then scribble all those things you would like your new employer to know about you. Refrain from the norm, do not say you are enthusiastic, work well in a team, like people and are kind to animals! Think about how you portray these messages in a refreshing, compelling, yet professional manner. A snap shot of your working day is always an interesting way to back up your skills, strengths and experience.

Recruitment Agencies will not charge you for CV advice and as they are also representing you, they are great sounding boards for evaluating your CV.