CV writing tips
Writing a CV can be daunting. Trying to remember the dates and details can be difficult. The best advice I can give you is to constantly keep the document up to date. List your sales figures or cost savings at the end of each quarter. Add each project at its completion. While the details are fresh in your mind.
You never know when that dream opportunity may tap you on the shoulder.
Whilst updating your CV make sure you do the same with your professional social media profile / portfolio of work. Click here for more information on that.
The bits you may not know;
1. I hate this more than most things on the planet but it is true - your CV may not be read, it may be screened by a word searching tool looking for key words.
2. Most decision makers will decide on whether to interview you by the end of the first page. They will decide if they want to read on after (sometimes) as little as three quarters of a page.
3. Key information needs to be laid out clearly and be easy to find.
4. You need to stand out from the crowd.
5. This CV may be read on a tablet or mobile – proof check it to see if the layout works on multiple devices.
6. Tailor your CV for each individual opportunity – it takes less time than you think and will almost guarantee you a seat in front of the decision maker. You need to turn the volume up on certain aspects of your background and turn the volume down on other parts.
What to include?
While the structure of a CV is flexible, bending to your unique skill set and experiences, there are particular sections that employers expect to see on your CV. Your CV must include;
· Name and contact details.
· Short to the point personal profile.
· Employment History and Experience.
· Education and Qualifications.
I will now explain each section;
Name and contact details
The first part of your CV, positioned at the top of the page, should contain your name and contact details. Sounds basic? You will be amazed how many CVs I receive a week lack this simple information.
If you like, you can also include a link to your LinkedIn profile in this section – but only if it is up to date and strengthens your application. See our separate document on Linked In Profile Tips.
Personal profile
A personal profile is a short paragraph that sits just underneath your name and contact details giving prospective employers an overview of who you are and your experience.
This is one of the main parts of the CV that you should amend when tailoring your CV for the chosen opportunity.
You should highlight specific qualities that match you to the role. Aim to keep your personal statement short and sweet, and no longer than a few sentences. To make the most of this section, you should try to address the following:
· A short insight into who you are.
· What you have to offer to the company and the role. Brief tip of the hat to times when you have completed similar challenges.
· How your future aspirations are aligned to the company’s goals.
Experience and employment history
Your employment history section gives you a chance to outline your previous jobs and work experience.
List your experience in reverse chronological order as your recent role is likely to be the most relevant to the employer.
When listing each position of employment, state your job title, the employer, the dates you worked in the following way;
Dates from and to (in full) September 2015 rather than Sept 15.
Company Name.
Job Title.
Then bullet point your key responsibilities, skills and achievements.
Where possible use figures to support your achievements (sales figures, cost savings, project values, project deadlines, project size in terms of manpower etc)
It helps to choose the duties most relevant to the job you are applying for, especially if it’s a long list.
If you have many years’ worth of experience, you can reduce the detail of old or irrelevant roles.
The amount of description should match the time spent in the employment. I often see the description of a 3-month contract 5 years ago being described in 3 paragraphs whilst a 4 year permanent role being described in one line!!
If you have positions from more than 10 years ago, you can summarise them with dates and job title and ‘additional information available on request’
Education and qualifications
Like your experience section, your education should be listed in reverse chronological order. Include the name of the institutions and the dates you were there, followed by the qualifications and grades you achieved.
Dates in full
University / College
Subject and grades / qualification
Take a view on which qualifications to include under education – cycling proficiency when you were 12 or that 2-week first aid course 25 years may not be relevant to the role you are applying for.
If you have recently left education, you may include A-levels or GCSEs (or equivalents) in the same way.
If you have a degree, you could list a few of the most relevant modules, assignments or projects underneath. For professional qualifications list them in reverse chronological order. Alternatively, you can list them in relevance order.
Additional sections
There are a range of additional sections that could bolster your CV and highlight your skills. Here are just a few you can include if you have room;
Key skills: If you are writing a functional or technical CV insert a key skills section underneath your personal profile.
Languages: List the languages you can speak and the level of your ability – beginner, school level, college level, business level or fluent.
Publications and Seminars: You may have written articles for trade press, you may have spoken at a conference or may have completed a paper for a website. If you have, you can add a link to the article or video. Only include if the topic is relevant.
Hobbies and interests: You may feel that your CV could be boosted by inserting a ‘hobbies and interests’ section at the end. This is only beneficial if the topic is relevant to the role you are applying for.
And finally…..
Check, check and then check again. F7 will highlight the spelling and grammar mistakes.
Is the font consistent throughout the document? Does it read well? Is it spaced well?
If possible, get another person to proof read the document.
Good luck.