CV Tips

No one enjoys writing their CV, but once it is done it is so much easier to think about applying for jobs.

Employers spend on average 30 seconds looking at someone’s CV so you need to make it good and ensure that the most important things stand out.

Here are some tips to help you create an amazing CV.

• No more than two pages – We know it is difficult and two pages is not enough to show everything you have ever done, but an interview is there for you to expand on things. Make sure your CV is succinct and makes the most important points stand out.
• Things to include – All CVs look different but there are some sections that should appear in all CVs, they include; name, address and contact information; personal statement; education and qualifications; work history/experience; interests and hobbies and of course 2 references.
• It’s all about the look – Presentation is key. You do not have to be a graphic designer to ensure your CV is clean, crisp and not too cluttered. Remember the place the employer looks is the upper middle section of the first page – you need there to be key information there. Also, if handing a CV in or posting it, the paper should not be crumpled but should be neatly folded in an envelope – it will make a difference.
• Tailor the CV to the job – There is no point in sending a CV to a retail outlet saying you have a keen interest in warehousing – you will not be given a second look. Make sure you change the CV to suit the job you are applying for.
• Make sure your email address is appropriate – even with the best CV in the world an email address about a football team or your relationship or finishing with “xoxoxo” doesn’t look entirely professional. Make sure you set up a new email address starting something like “name123”.
• Do not leave gaps – people will look at a 2 year gap with your employment history cynically. If you were travelling, volunteering, taking a career break then let people know.
• Hobbies are important – it is really important to show employers what type of person you are out of work – whether you like sports, travelling, art cinema or even time with your family let them know – it shows you are diverse and interesting.
• Grammar Police – Don’t make silly mistakes on your CV. Spelling and grammar mistakes can put people off. People have pet hates and if you have mistaken your and you’re it may be enough to disengage people – have someone else check it over for you.
• There is no right or wrong way to do a CV – Stick to the points above and you will be well on your way to that interview.