CV Guide and Tips
Your CV is very important and must be concise, this is your personal advert for your skills. You are trying to say " You really need me for your business: I can make a difference and add value to your business!" If it does not give this type of impression then re-think your wording! Consider: would I hire someone on the strength of this CV. Put yourself in the position of the employer.
MAKE IT STAND OUT. Think of adverts you have seen that have stood out or posters that have attracted your attention this will give you a guide as to how to think differently from the rest. Why did they stand out? Your CV should have an opening description about yourself and aspirations, this will give your potential employer an insight as to what you can offer. That will then invite them to read the rest of your CV rather than to putting it on the rejection pile.
Take your time over your CV as this may be one of the most important documents you will create on your journey to your new job role. When I say that your CV must stand out this does not mean using brightly covered paper or spraying the paper with scent. Believe me I have heard examples of this. Your CV should be worded appropriately so that it is easy to read and will stay in the mind of your employer. It should remain professional at all times, no matter what role you are applying for and it should be no longer than two pages. Remember this CV should show what you can do and what potential you have to offer.
REMEMBER: Do not:
Another important factor is that you should tailor your CV for the role you are applying for, highlight the skills you have that are relevant to the role you are applying for. Just like a bespoke suit, one size does not fit all and this also goes for your CV. By tailoring your CV you will also show that you are interested in their role and will give you the best chance of securing that interview. Choose a template which suits the area you are aiming for, your CV should list the following and in this type of order.
It is of paramount importance that your CV is punctuated correctly and reads well so that it is a joy, rather than a chore to read.
So to re-cap:
Make your CV stand out.
It should read well and be punctuated.
Tailor the CV to the role for which you are applying.
Check and re-check.
Ask someone else to read the CV and ask for feedback. (This is very useful and is highly recommended, be prepared to accept feedback and do not be defensive as you have asked for assistance).
Of course this is not an exhaustive list and you should always look to improve a CV. If you use these tips as a base you should be well on the way to creating a fantastic CV and therefore increasing your chances of securing that interview.
MAKE IT STAND OUT. Think of adverts you have seen that have stood out or posters that have attracted your attention this will give you a guide as to how to think differently from the rest. Why did they stand out? Your CV should have an opening description about yourself and aspirations, this will give your potential employer an insight as to what you can offer. That will then invite them to read the rest of your CV rather than to putting it on the rejection pile.
Take your time over your CV as this may be one of the most important documents you will create on your journey to your new job role. When I say that your CV must stand out this does not mean using brightly covered paper or spraying the paper with scent. Believe me I have heard examples of this. Your CV should be worded appropriately so that it is easy to read and will stay in the mind of your employer. It should remain professional at all times, no matter what role you are applying for and it should be no longer than two pages. Remember this CV should show what you can do and what potential you have to offer.
REMEMBER: Do not:
- Use slang
- Use abbreviations
- Use different coloured paper
- Use scent or enclose confetti with your documents (there have been examples!)
- Use e-mail addresses for contact that contain a slang type address such as ripe.tomatoe@ etc.
- Use more than two pages
Another important factor is that you should tailor your CV for the role you are applying for, highlight the skills you have that are relevant to the role you are applying for. Just like a bespoke suit, one size does not fit all and this also goes for your CV. By tailoring your CV you will also show that you are interested in their role and will give you the best chance of securing that interview. Choose a template which suits the area you are aiming for, your CV should list the following and in this type of order.
- CV title this includes your name.
- Contact details.
- Profile i.e a short burst of 20 to 40 words indicating how you approach your work and what goals motivate you.
- Qualifications in chronological order.
- Work history in chronological order starting with your most recent history first.
- Interests highlighting specific points which may prove useful in the role which you are applying.
- Awards and associations with professional bodies.
It is of paramount importance that your CV is punctuated correctly and reads well so that it is a joy, rather than a chore to read.
So to re-cap:
Make your CV stand out.
It should read well and be punctuated.
Tailor the CV to the role for which you are applying.
Check and re-check.
Ask someone else to read the CV and ask for feedback. (This is very useful and is highly recommended, be prepared to accept feedback and do not be defensive as you have asked for assistance).
Of course this is not an exhaustive list and you should always look to improve a CV. If you use these tips as a base you should be well on the way to creating a fantastic CV and therefore increasing your chances of securing that interview.