CV TIPS

Getting the right job is all about getting yourself in front of the companies that you have selected as ones you would want to work for. Getting yourself in front of those companies is often all about your CV. Your CV is your shop window to the outside world. A good CV alone will not get you a job but it will get you to the first stage, an interview. To help you we have outlined a number of CV tips that give some guidance on what employers will be looking for, how to prepare a good CV and how to avoid some of the pitfalls that can result in you CV going in the rejection pile.

CV structure and content

Most people tend to layout their CV in historical order putting their most recent experience first then working backwards. To see an example of an historical CV click on the link. Whilst there is no single way of structuring a CV correctly employers will expect to see standard information.

Personal Details

These include full name, address, contact phone numbers, e-mail address, date of birth, nationality, marital status, family members and status of driving licence. It is obligatory to divulge all of the information above so outside the obvious inclusions it is up to you to decide what to put in.

Work Experience

Name your employer, the dates during which you worked for them and your job title(s). Describe in short sentences your main achievements in the role using specific examples whenever possible. For example,

Achieved 56% growth for product x which was the best in the company
If you gained valuable experience highlight this in a similar fashion. For example,

Led key project team for 6 months developing group leadership and communication skills
Depending on the job that you are applying for you may wish to emphasise those skills / achievements that are most relevant to the role.

Education

A short accurate summary of qualifications gained. Your victory in the 1987 egg and spoon race is not required! Make sure that you provide grades of the exams that you've passed

Other Interests

Most people include a section on this on their CV. It enables you to show what type of person you are outside the workplace. Some employers will look for evidence of achievements in sport or other interests to supplement what they know of you in a working environment so be prepared for some questions.

References

These should not be taken up until you have given your permission to do so, usually after you have accepted an offer of a new job. Most employers will expect to see at least one of your references from your last employer. Needless to say make sure you ask someone first before you name them as a referee.

Presentation and Layout

The way in which your CV is laid out will make an immediate impression, good or bad depending how much effort you have put in. Click here to visit our CV builder, which is designed to help you create, store and modify a first class CV.

Golden Rules

Keep it concise more than two pages is probably too much.
Use standard business fonts like Arial and print in on good white paper.
Use headings to make the CV easy to read
Make sure that there are no errors, spell check it on a PC but watch out for your computer inserting American spellings and get a friend to proof read it.
List other relevant skills that can differentiate you from other applicants. For example if you are applying for a role with a French company and you can speak the language this may be a real advantage.
Ask your consultant to critique your CV for you. They will see it from the professional's point of view.
Avoid At All Costs

Never lie or stretch the truth. You will get found out sooner or later and if you have secured a job on the basis of this CV you may well loose your job. It's not worth it!

Explain any gaps in your CV. If you took a year out or had a period of unemployment say so. If you don't prospective employers might assume the worst and reject you CV.

Posting or e-mailing your CV is fine but don't rely on the quality of a fax machine.

Never let an agency send your CV to an employer without seeking your permission first. It may end up with a company that you would not want to work for or know that you are seeking a change.

Don't paint a picture of yourself that is inaccurate. If you are quiet and introvert it is pointless positioning yourself as a go getting party animal! Some one will notice!

A great CV will not get you a job but it is worth putting in the effort because it can make the difference between gaining an initial interview or being confined to the bin.