CV Writing Tips

Preparation

Where do you start, a blank piece of paper has never looked so empty. Here’s what you do, take some post-it notes and brainstorm the following topics:

• What are my strengths?
• In which areas did I excel in my previous positions?
• In which working environment would I thrive?
• What are my weaknesses?
• What are my mid to long-term professional goals?
• Define what I do professionally.
• What personal attributes can I bring to a role?

Now you have started the process you need to get them into some order.

The Basics:

Your CV is a reflection of your professionalism. It needs to state that you are the right person for the job. You need to have one master copy of a CV and then should tailor subsequent CVs to bring out salient points in your work history that match the Person Specification and Job Specification of the role your are interested in.

A Good CV should contain the following:
 

• A 4-line summary or profile of you as a job seeker, what are your strengths and what do you excel at?
• A clear, un-cluttered layout (3 pages maximum)
• Job specific information (avoid jargon and include a synopsis of the company you worked for, don’t assume that people will recognise the company name.)
• Articulate, concise language- a maximum of 15 words per sentence.
• Specific and quantifiable achievements.
• No mistakes

Top Tip

Recruiters and employers look for the following attributes when filling a post. Include quantifiable examples of as many of these as possible in your CV.

• Competence and experience
• Relevant skills
• Strategic thinking
• Creativity and problem solving
• Leadership (how many people in your team, based in one place or in far-flung places?)
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Personal management skills
• Integrity

The Headings

A Chronological CV is the most traditional; they list previous employers and job roles in detail and are suited to professionals who have a formal history of experience.

Functional or skills CVs are better suited to contractors, graduates, people who have taken time out. They are useful when making a complete career change.

• Personal details
• Name, contact details, nationality
• Profile
• A descriptive overview of your professional profile. List your key features, formal training and business acumen.
• Work experience in reverse chronological order
• Include dates, a brief summary of what the company did, size of turnover, and number of employees. Include projects worked on, responsibilities and key, quantifiable achievements.
• Education and Qualifications
• Most recent first (no need to include you GCSE results if you have subsequently gone on to achieve an MBA or similar.) Include PC skills and proficiencies
• References

Proofing and Checking

There is nothing more unprofessional than grammar or spelling mistakes on your CV. Don’t rely on the spell-checker facility, print off a hard copy and circulate it around people you can trust who will read it through for you and highlight any errors.