Tips for writing a CV
If you’re looking for a job, an up-to-date CV is essential. You might be browsing job adverts, but this is your own personal advert. Your CV introduces you to prospective employers and says, ‘pick me!’
A quick internet search for ‘CV templates’ will get you plenty of free examples to work from. Using a template will help you get the layout right, and ensure you don’t miss out any important sections. Writing a CV isn’t difficult, but writing a great CV takes some skill.
Here are a few tips to help you write a great CV.
New job application, new CV
If you’re on a job hunt, it can be tempting to send the same CV to everyone. Don’t. Each time you apply for a new job, customise your CV for the occasion. Imagine the prospective employer asking, ‘who can do this job for me?’ Your CV responds: ‘I can do this job, because I have these particular skills, experience, qualifications and strengths. I’m the one you need for the job.’
Make it short and sweet
Keep it simple. Two sides of A4 is plenty to get the information across. You can share more detail in your cover letter, or at the interview. A CV that’s too long will be a boring read. Worse than that, it might not get read at all!
Do the ‘relevant’ check
If someone asks to see your CV, it’s because they want to know about your relevant skills, your relevant experience, your relevant previous employment, and your relevant personal strengths. They key word here is (did you guess yet?) ‘relevant’. Read the job description carefully, and match what you’ve got to what they need. Your pancake-making skills and great personal hygiene aren’t relevant. Leave them out.
Be honest
If you exaggerate your experience, or brag about skills you just don’t have, be careful. It could come back to bite you. It’s easy to spot someone who is stretching the truth. Remember, the employer is looking for a real person, not a piece of paper. If you get an interview, they could ask you anything about your CV, so make sure you know what you wrote in the first place!
Be confident
If you’ve been made redundant, or if you’ve been unemployed for a while, you might feel anything but confident. Ask a friend to tell you what your strengths are, and help you to focus on your positive skills and experience. Remember that the person reading your CV doesn’t know you. If you don’t tell them about a skill or a successful project, they won’t know about it. Modesty is not the aim here. You’re great. So write it down.
Check and double-check
When you’re finished, read your CV out loud slowly. Ask someone to check it for spelling mistakes. Your CV should be typed and printed on clean white A4 paper. Make sure you’ve included any other documents that might be required, e.g. a cover letter, photo or application form. Make a good first impression, even before they start reading!
You might also like to read ‘Checklist for Job Hunters’.
Written by Becky Matyus. Posted on 26th February.
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