Perfect Your C.V.
In the end, no matter how much experience, ability or potential you have, if you have a poor CV then you will never even get an interview. You are reflected not only by the content of the CV but also how it reads, its layout and presentation. Poorly written or presented CVs will be turned away without a second glance and away go your prospects of that dream job.
It is therefore vital that your CV meet these criteria and surpass them. They should not be faulting your CV but admiring it and the qualities that you possess. Here are some tips as to how to write that dream CV –
Profile
This section is just a little about yourself, you should highlight key skills that you believe you possess and how they could help you perform a role within the industry you are applying for. Like all sections of a CV make it relevant.
A recruiter doesn’t want to read unrelated waffle as they will start to skim over your CV and may miss any other important sections.
Qualifications
You should now start to list some of the qualifications you have gained and at what level including GCSE’s, A-Levels and Degree Level. Make sure to list the most relevant and best achievements at the top, starting with your highest level of attainment e.g. Degree.
Previous Work Experience
This is the most key section when applying for a job and should therefore take up a large proportion of your application. Emphasise where you were, how long you were there for and most importantly, the skills you gained from being there. If what you were doing contains transferable skills that could be utilised in the job you are applying for.
Relevant work experience is also very important as employers like those who have been in the industry before or who have got a taste of the industry on work experience weeks.
Skills and Achievements
You should then list all of the other things you are skilled in such as computer software or sporting accolades that you have obtained. Keep this brief and to your most advanced skills and most proud achievements.
Referees
You should give details of two people (not related to you) who the employer can contact to confirm your suitability for the job. They should also write you a reference which can also be asked for by the employer. Finding influential people to be your referees can add credibility to your CV.
A final point to consider is length. With even more competitive job openings than ever, employers have to read through a lot of CVs and therefore it is best to make yours as concise as possible and emphasise all of your best qualities and key skills that would still make them want to hire you. Every employer is now looking to cut the number of CVs they have to read so give them no excuse to make it yours.