Does your CV stand out?
Your CV is one of the most important documents that you will ever write. It is therefore imperative that it correctly reflects your personality, achievements and what you can offer the reader. A CV is the first step towards you getting a job. Bearing this in mind it is surprising to know that the average person takes less than an hour to prepare this vital document. 82% of applications are rejected at the CV screening stage*. This could be that they are not suitable for the job or it could be that their CV is not reflecting what that person can do and why the employer should see them for an interview.
Recruiters spend just 90 seconds reading your CV so make sure yours stands out!
Having assessed a variety of CVs, our consultants have compiled some top tips to share with you:-
• Target the job that you are applying for even if this means changing your CV every time
• Think about the transferable skills you can offer the employer and highlight these
• Highlight your achievements – make sure that these are measurable and worthy of being there to avoid disappointing the reader
• Don’t waffle – if you have a lot to write make sure the information is straight to the point and/or bullet pointed
• Check and then double check for spelling and grammatical errors and make sure in its final form it is well presented
• Sell yourself – your CV is your route into the company and it is essential this impresses the reader
• Get feedback on your CV from friends, family or us! Every reader is different and will be looking for different points when they look at your CV – so every section has to be spot on!
• Your CV does not have to only be two pages! As long as the information that you provide is relevant put it on.
• Make your CV unique to you – your CV is representing you so make sure first of all that the information is true (they will find out), don’t over exaggerate on what you can do and make sure you put an eye-catching profile to grab the readers attention
• Don’t copy someone else’s CV – take the time to make your own – it will pay off
• Make sure your CV does not have unexplained gaps – think ahead of what the interviewer might ask you
Generally speaking there are three different types of CV, choose which of the three statements below best suits your experience:-
I have just graduated and will be applying for positions which will utilise my degree
Or
I have not had much work experience but I did achieve good educational results and have attended numerous training courses.
Your CV should be laid out as follows: |
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I have a lot of experience within one sector (i.e. administration) and I am looking for a new position within the same field and would like to work my way up.
Your CV should be laid out as follows: |
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I am flexible about what I do next and would not mind having a complete change from what I have previously done
Or
I have been out of work for a while but have a lot of skills to offer a potential employer.
Your CV should be laid out as follows: |
Contact details
Personal Profile
Education
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Contact details
Personal Profile
Key Skills
Employment History |
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Contact details
Personal Profile
Key Skills |
Include in this section where you studied, the dates you were there, the qualification you achieved and most importantly what you did to achieve it – this could be a list of modules you did or a project which you completed.
Training
Key Skills/Achievements
Skills that you have gained from your qualification or employment that would be of benefit to the company.
Employment History
Interests/Hobbies
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List your employment from most recent/current first and specify if the industries of your current/previous employers if these are within the same sector as the job you are applying for.
Education
Interests/Hobbies |
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For this type of CV, this is the main area you need to concentrate on, as you need to highlight and sell your transferable skills from either your previous employment/education or life experience.
Employment History
Education/Training
Interests/Hobbies |
Making your profile personal
Your profile needs to make the reader want to read more about you.
To ensure this response remember the following points:-
• Do not write more than you need to – a good profile is about quality not quantity and you should be aiming at no more than 4-5 sentences or bullet points.
• Before you start writing your profile really think about your attributes, achievements and some key words which describe you and your personality
• If you are preparing your CV for a specific application and you have a job description/candidate specification use this almost to write your profile
• Think of your main strengths and focus your profile around these
You will find below three examples of how you could start your personal profile:-
An accomplished sales professional who is self motivated…………….
Pro-active and creative professional with excellent all round skills including……………..
Hardworking, reliable and loyal with experience of………………..
CV Keywords
• Enthusiastic
• Confident
• Loyal
• Communication
• Team player
• Team fit
• Professional
• Challenging/challenge
• Competent |
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• Coordination
• Planning
• Control
• Passionate
• Dedicated
• Reliable
• Hardworking
• Efficient
• Personable |
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• Analytical thinking skills
• Over-achieved
• Target driven
• Creative
• Quick thinker
• Timekeeping
• Motivated
• Transferable skills
• Dedicated |
We hope this information has helped if you need any feedback or advice on your CV, please let us know. Good Luck!
We would also recommend the Total Jobs website which offers a CV checker, salary checker, advice and tips on boosting your covering letters and a great range of vacancies from a variety of sectors.
*Source: www.cv4you.com |
