Tips for creating a CV

 
If you think of yourself as a shop, your CV will be your shop window. It lays out what you have on offer and will hopefully make you irresistible to an employer.
 
We've got some tips on how to create your most impressive CV
 

When it comes to a CV, size IS everything!


Although you may have lots to tell a prospective employer, you must resist the urge to put in everything you can think of and make sure you keep your CV to no more than two sides of A4 paper.


Of course, how long you've been in the employment market will determine how long your CV will be. If you've only just left university or school, you probably won't have enough to cover two pages, whereas someone who's had multiple jobs over 10 years will have a lot more to add.

Haven't I heard that somewhere before?

Ensure you only include the highlights of your education and work experience and don't duplicate anything you cover in your cover letter.

There are some things that you need to keep in mind as you write your CV, and those are:

1.

There is no need to write the words "CV" or "Curriculum Vitae" at the top of your document; just use your name as the title.

2.

List everything in reverse chronological order so the prospective employer can see your most recent achievements first.

3.

Include your full name, address, e-mail address (make sure it sounds professional), and mobile number. Don't bother with your date of birth; unless you're applying for a job as a model or actor, a photo is not necessary either.

4.

Be careful what font you choose for your CV and avoid ones like comic sans.

5.

Try to make your profile show how you stand out from the crowd and include a small paragraph at the beginning of your CV that highlights your achievements, the skills you have gained and what career aims you have. Make it as relevant as possible to the industry you are applying to.

6.

There is no need to list your references at this stage. You can merely state 'references on request'. If an employer is considering employing you, they can ask for those references later.

7.

List your interests, especially if they're slightly unusual, as this will give employers a chance to see the bigger picture and gives you something to talk about during your interview.

8.

Make sure you list any work experience and any previous jobs that you've had.

9.

Check and double-check your CV for spelling mistakes and ensure that it reads well and is evenly spaced with bullet points, where needed.

 
 

Everyone is aware of the effect that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on many people's careers and aspirations, so if you can show that you have been doing what you can to keep your skills current or increase your education during that time, make sure you put it on your CV and finally - good luck!

 
   
 
 
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Lisa Spencer
Marketing Manager