Writing your CV
Your CV is your sales brochure. Employers and recruitment companies may be receiving hundreds of CV's at a time so you need to consider the key information to include. Take some time to make sure that it's as good as it can be before sending it off - it could be the difference between your perfect job and or your CV being discarded after a glance.
- Make sure your contact details are easy to find, and are correct. If an email address is wrong or difficult to find, a busy employer won't spend extra time trying to get in touch with you.
- Unless you are applying for a creative role avoid the use of colour paper or fancy design. CVs are very personal so it's your choice and you may want to stand out from the crowd, but in our experience employers simply want to see what you have done and get a feel for how it applies to their role.
- Take some time to understand the role you're applying for and tailor your CV accordingly. Emphasise the relevant aspects of your degree or work experience, and make sure your personal statement, if you have one, relates directly to the job.
- The same applies to your covering letter. Keep it short but clearly relevant to the role you're applying for. An employer or recruiter can spot a generic covering letter a mile off, and they're not going to do you any favours.
- Write your CV in the first person.
- Don't underestimate the importance of work experience, however little you may have enjoyed or valued it - it's often very important. For example working behind a bar may seem of little consequence. However employers value roles that may have required customer interaction, cash handling, anti-social hours, key holding, problem solving and working in a team.
- If you can, include references on your CV. Make sure you have asked permission from your referees first.
- Think like an employer. What would they be looking for with this particular job? Then you can prove you have these skills.
- Don't lie. While it may get you an interview, these will be uncovered.
