CVs: Love them? Hate them? You still need them
First impressions last. And your CV is going to be your first impression.
To us. And to any prospective employer.
Get it right and you’ll get an interview. Get it wrong and there’s no second chance.
So follow these helpful hints to make sure you make the right first impression:
Make it easy to read
- Use clear formatting with simple fonts
- Include bullet points to break up text
- One page ideal; two pages max
Keep it broad
- Contract work is a varied business
- Highlight industries/sectors you have experience of or interest in
- Don’t forget to show a commitment to your own continuing professional development
Include all relevant information
- Academic record and work experience in reverse chronological order
- Degree result and A-Levels are most important
- Include precise role or project details, company, length of time worked, nature of role and responsibility, as well as skills used, in all work experience
Differentiate yourself
- Set yourself apart from other candidates
- Include positions of responsibility and extra-curricular activity and interests
- Mention examples of communication, leadership and teamwork – transferable skills that employers can see you will bring to their project
Don’t make mistakes
- Employers see lots of CVs and so any small mistakes could see your CV in the bin
- Demonstrate attention to detail by checking spelling, grammar and punctuation
- Then check it again
Make it your own
- Stick to the above rules, but also add your own individuality
- Tailor your CV to each opportunity you apply for – it takes more time but demonstrates commitment and interest and could make all the difference
- But if you haven’t got the right skills, it’s probably the wrong job for you.