First impressions count, and when it comes to finding the perfect job it’s just the same, which means that your CV needs to be up to scratch.
Right now, the jobs market is tricky, with lots of jobs, but also lots of competition, so you need your CV to stand out, and tell the recruiter what they need to know.
That’s where we come in. Here are our top tips to help you create a stand out CV.
Start your CV with all your contact information. Include your name, phone number, email address, and optionally, your professional social media profiles – such as LinkedIn – but only if it’s up to date.
Include a section at the beginning that highlights your relevant skills, both hard skills (technical or industry-specific skills) and soft skills (communication, teamwork, leadership, etc.). Make sure these fit with the job and company you’re applying for.
When you list all your previous roles (or work experience if this is your first job), start with the most recent position. Include the company name, your job title, employment dates, and a relevant description of your responsibilities and achievements in each role. Keep it simple, with bullet points, focusing on how you add value to the organisation.
If applicable, mention any personal projects, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your skills and interests, if they align with the job you’re seeking.
Provide details about your education, qualifications and any additional courses you’ve completed. Start with the most recent and don’t forget to include the institution names, and completion dates.
Remember your CV is a dynamic document. Read the job specification carefully, and customise your CV for each application, incorporating relevant keywords and phrases to demonstrate how your skills and experience align with the role. This helps your CV pass through to the next stage.
Ideally keep your CV within two pages, in a sans font. Avoid unnecessary details and focus on the most relevant information. Ask someone else to proofread it to catch any mistakes you might have missed.
If you’re encountering difficulties in your job search and struggle to get past the initial stage, just get in touch, and we guarantee that we will improve your chances.
