Your CV is a ‘working document’
Keep your CV updated; if you have been on any courses or completed any CPD lately then include them as it maybe the extra thing that puts you ahead of the competition.
Personal Profile
Think of this as your mission statement of 4 or 5 sentences to summarise who you are and what you do, it’s the first thing they will read about you i.e. a professional sales negotiator with 6 years commercial experience in the automotive industry…. Get straight to the point and avoid lengthy descriptions and make your testimonies punchy and informative. Don't mix first and third person sentences. Make sure it is dynamic and interesting as it is the first thing they will read about you and a chance to really sell yourself for the job role.
Understand the job description and person specification
All the clues for a successful application are within the job description and person specification, so read them carefully. Take notes, bullet point or highlight the key skills, knowledge and attributes and make sure you include how you have demonstrated them within the body of your CV.
Tailor your CV to the specific job role
Always create your CV especially for the role you are applying for. Remember there is no such thing as a generic CV. You don’t have to start from scratch every time but make sure you adapt the details so they are relevant to the job you are applying for.
Never underestimate transferable skills
If you don’t have the specific skills or experience requested think about your transferable skills. Maybe you have demonstrated that expertise in another part of your life or work history? Explain how this can be used to your advantage.
Presentation is key
Keep the format simple, recruiters and HR only look at your CV for a very short amount of time and if they can not get the information they need quickly, your CV will simply be rejected. Always remember the CV hotspot – the upper middle area of the first page is where the recruiter's eye will naturally fall, so make sure you include your most important information there. Avoid using all capitals as it sounds like you’re shouting and makes it difficult to read, and keep the content to 2 sides of A4, any more will not be looked at.
Know your audience
There are some excellent examples of highly creative and infographic CVs online. Just beware that you know your target audience, if the role is not a creative role then don’t confuse the employer by submitting a CV that looks more like a design graduate’s.
Make the most of your skills and experience
Highlight your unique selling points, if you are a more mature employee then highlight your experience and if you are new to the role prioritise your enthusiasm and drive to learn. Bullet point your key responsibilities and achievements but make them tangible, specific and measurable i.e. Sold £200k plus in CPD during 2013, Project lead on…., Built and maintained close working relationships with….
Photographs
UK CVs don't usually include a photograph unless you are an actor. In European countries such as France, Belgium and Germany it’s common for CVs to include a passport-sized photograph in the top right-hand corner, whereas in the UK and the USA photographs are frowned upon as this may contravene equal opportunity legislation. If you do include a photograph it should be a head and shoulders shot, you should be dressed suitably and smiling.
True lies
Is it ever ok to lie on your CV? The answer is simple; no it is never ok to lie on your CV. You will always be found out.
Avoid the clichés
Try to avoid words and sentences such as ‘varied’ ‘expert’ ‘good at working in a team as well as under my own initiative’, instead think about what it actually means and how you can justify and explain this.
Experience and Achievements instead of duties
Bullet point your experience and use active, positive words (verbs) in a CV or in an application form as it will give it additional impact and make a stronger impression on potential employers. Use action words at the start of the bullet point to put over what you have achieved in your job roles, and not just what the tasks or duties you carried out were. Action words help to give an impression of a proactive, positive and motivated person who knows how to present themselves in a professional way.
Top 5 common mistakes with CV’s
- Typing errors, poor spelling or grammatical errors
- Listing duties instead of achievements
- Not tailoring you CV to the job role
- Visually unappealing or difficult to read
- Too long or too short
