A CV is an important job search tool that helps you make a good first impression on potential employers to try and get an interview. With such importance placed on this tool, every job seeker wants to have the best one possible. To help you make sure you have the best one, we have provided you with a few top tips.
(1) Tailor It For The Job
Some may say that this is standard practice but you are surprised of how many don’t do this. When you are applying for a job, you need to make sure that your CV helps show how you meet & can do the job requirements. If you just send a CV in that just details what you have done in past jobs then it more than likely to be rejected. An employer wants to see how you meet what they need and looking for. Examine what the job is, the skills needed and evidence it in your CV that you meet them.
(2) Sell Your Skills & Experiences
As stated above, you need to show how you meet the job requirements and this is when we have to sell our skills & experiences. You have to show how your skills & experience meet with what the employer is looking for. Simply stating that you have used communication skills is not enough. Sell yourself by evidencing how you did this through a specific action. To sell yourself, you need to show through evidence how you've used your skills and experiences in given situations. By doing this, the employer can get a better understanding of not only you but how you meet with what they are looking for!
(3) Make It Look Good
Impressions count in a job search and as your CV will more than likely be the first impression you make, you need to make sure that it looks good. Not only just the content have to be good, but the appearance (format & layout) too. That doesn't mean add fancy logos, pictures, boarders or fancy colours to it. Have a good clear but professional appearance. Use the right font and size, use headings, bullet points (but not too many) and don’t centre anything.
(4) Keep It Concise
A lot of individuals find this a difficult part when developing a CV. When we try to sell ourselves, we can use too much information. This is not appealing to an employer as they don’t want to read your life story. It’s important that you stick to the point and only give the information that is required. Don’t fill your CV full of irrelevant skills, personal information & long explanations of how you meet the requirements.
(5) Tell The Truth
Some people feel that either lying about their skills & achievements or even enhancing what they can do is fine as it helping them to achieve their goal. However that is not only wrong, unprofessional but it can also land you in trouble with the law too. Yes you want to stand out and get a job but lying is not the way to do it. Lies get caught out in the application process and if you manage to get the job then you will be found out once you can’t do the job. Once the lies are discovered it does you more harm than good. DON’T LIE! Be honest over what you can do and offer. Don’t be silly and not only harm your reputation but also ruin potential future job opportunities.
(6) No Errors
This sounds so simple but you will be surprised at how many times individuals get rejected for a job due to this. Most times it is because individuals do not recheck their CV’s especially when made changes or do not proof read it. It’s important that you make proof reading of your CV standard practice. Don’t let a small mistake cost you opportunities.
(7) Keep It Up To Date
Keeping your CV up to date is vital work. We are always developing new skills, adding training and qualifications. It doesn't stop there; some of us also do voluntary work/work experience. These things can help us and even increase your chances of making a good impression. Even updating your details is vital when they change e.g. contact & address. Get use to updating it regularly!
(1) Tailor It For The Job
Some may say that this is standard practice but you are surprised of how many don’t do this. When you are applying for a job, you need to make sure that your CV helps show how you meet & can do the job requirements. If you just send a CV in that just details what you have done in past jobs then it more than likely to be rejected. An employer wants to see how you meet what they need and looking for. Examine what the job is, the skills needed and evidence it in your CV that you meet them.
(2) Sell Your Skills & Experiences
As stated above, you need to show how you meet the job requirements and this is when we have to sell our skills & experiences. You have to show how your skills & experience meet with what the employer is looking for. Simply stating that you have used communication skills is not enough. Sell yourself by evidencing how you did this through a specific action. To sell yourself, you need to show through evidence how you've used your skills and experiences in given situations. By doing this, the employer can get a better understanding of not only you but how you meet with what they are looking for!
(3) Make It Look Good
Impressions count in a job search and as your CV will more than likely be the first impression you make, you need to make sure that it looks good. Not only just the content have to be good, but the appearance (format & layout) too. That doesn't mean add fancy logos, pictures, boarders or fancy colours to it. Have a good clear but professional appearance. Use the right font and size, use headings, bullet points (but not too many) and don’t centre anything.
(4) Keep It Concise
A lot of individuals find this a difficult part when developing a CV. When we try to sell ourselves, we can use too much information. This is not appealing to an employer as they don’t want to read your life story. It’s important that you stick to the point and only give the information that is required. Don’t fill your CV full of irrelevant skills, personal information & long explanations of how you meet the requirements.
(5) Tell The Truth
Some people feel that either lying about their skills & achievements or even enhancing what they can do is fine as it helping them to achieve their goal. However that is not only wrong, unprofessional but it can also land you in trouble with the law too. Yes you want to stand out and get a job but lying is not the way to do it. Lies get caught out in the application process and if you manage to get the job then you will be found out once you can’t do the job. Once the lies are discovered it does you more harm than good. DON’T LIE! Be honest over what you can do and offer. Don’t be silly and not only harm your reputation but also ruin potential future job opportunities.
(6) No Errors
This sounds so simple but you will be surprised at how many times individuals get rejected for a job due to this. Most times it is because individuals do not recheck their CV’s especially when made changes or do not proof read it. It’s important that you make proof reading of your CV standard practice. Don’t let a small mistake cost you opportunities.
(7) Keep It Up To Date
Keeping your CV up to date is vital work. We are always developing new skills, adding training and qualifications. It doesn't stop there; some of us also do voluntary work/work experience. These things can help us and even increase your chances of making a good impression. Even updating your details is vital when they change e.g. contact & address. Get use to updating it regularly!