One of the most time consuming aspects of any job hunt is getting your CV up to date, and creating one that stands out from the crowd can be tough. As tempting as it might be to put it off until the last minute, it is important to make time to do it properly and get it right. Your CV is the best tool you have to sell your skills, experience and qualities to a prospective employer.
Here are our top tips for creating a great CV.
- Don't over design your CV, and steer clear of crazy fonts. Less is more.
- Keep the information concise, using bullet points.
- Make sure your email address is professional. crazyme@yahoo.com won’t cut it!
- Tailor your CV to the job you’re applying for. Use the job advert as a guide for this. Why are you right for this role?
- Have a short line explaining each of your previous roles, as job titles can vary from company to company.
- When listing your skills, focus on results. Show the impact you have made in previous roles.
- List your most recent education first.
- For references, avoid family members and make sure you get permission from anyone you use.
- Listing your personal interests can help with cultural fit but keep it brief and as relevant as possible.
- Have a few people proofread your CV to catch any errors.
Need some more advice on getting your dream job? We’ve created a ‘how to’ guide on all you could ever want to know when searching for your next role. From getting started with your job hunt, to making sure you’re earning the right salary, to smashing your interview - and everything in between. And if that’s not amazing enough, it’s also free! Download it here.