When it comes to recruitment Catherine & Vivienne, the directors of Hall Recruitment, have a wealth of knowledge and experience that they are always willing to impart on their candidates. Here is their…
Top 5 Tips…For Writing Your CV
When embarking on an employment search
there are three initial things that job-seekers usually think are the most important things to prepare for. You may have heard that old saying, “people look first and listen second.” It was a parent who told you that there are “no do-overs in life!” and they would be the first to insist that your interview attire will always affect the first impression a potential employer will have of you. Then, there are always those interview questions to plan for. They may ask you such things as, “Why did you leave your last job?” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” However, clothing, practiced interview responses and knowing your employment goals are all extremely important, however, the most important action you will ever take (and can never fake), is your CV.
Here at Hall Recruitment, our first and most impactful impression of you is your curriculum vitae; that single document you work on over and over again that somehow squeezes all your experiences onto one perfect page. The second your submission hits our inbox; our mutual interaction has begun. Sometimes a candidate’s document may be simply too long, however, even someone with a shorter list of experience can win over our clients with the following clean, organized, and easy to read resume points.
Tip #1…
Contact, Location & Skillset Information:
Starting up top with your legal full name, phone, email, and desired work area information is key, and adding a bullet list of personal skills will assist in properly placing you at the right job, in the right place, for a long time.
Tip #2…
Chronological Work Experience:
Long CV’s more than one page in length lose most people’s interest. Listing your last decade’s experience in the past tense, starting with the most recent and working down to the earliest is usually the best rule of thumb. Always cater your CV to the job you are applying for! Omit experience that does not resonate with the role you are pursuing. (If you are applying for a clerical position, your summer as a lifeguard is unnecessary.) It is also important to note that large gaps in between roles can create doubt and could cause you to be passed on. If there are lapses in assignments, be sure to have an honest answer for your time away from the workforce.
Tip #3…
Education, Qualifications & Awards:
Any degrees, diplomas, certifications, or special training and honors are an important part of your history and a wonderful way to share your accomplishments with your interviewer! This is an opportunity to sell what you can bring to the role!
Just be sure it is truthful and in date order.
Tip #4…
References:
Usually, Human Resources will do this part of screening you themselves. However, if you feel confident about listing a previous supervisor or lifelong colleague that you are assured will sing your praises, it’s always an excellent idea to list their name, company, and direct contact information, just be sure to get their consent and give them a heads up!
Tip #5…
Don’t Forget To Proofread!!:
An amazing job that is perfect for you has just crossed your path, so you are in a big hurry to beat your competitors to the punch and apply now! This is precisely the right time to remember to proofread, spellcheck and most importantly, have another person check your resume before hitting that send button. Spelling and grammar apps can be useful tools, but they will never scour your CV with the deeply discerning eye that a friend, colleague, or mentor can. Avoid those resume building websites too, like Canva, Indeed, or PDFfiller as they tend to jumble the formatting and font information that is arriving on the other end. Taking the time to learn how to properly format your own resume into a Word, or PDF document saves on both errors and always translates properly. Unless the job is looking to see specific graphic design talent, a simple, clean looking and easy to read resume is always perfect.
When it comes to your CV
-#CVTips
Less is best. Keep them wanting more.
For more great CV writing tips, check out our other posts:
Recalculating Route
Common CV Advice You Should Actually Avoid
CV or LinkedIn Profile
