TOP TIPS ON WRITING A SUCCESSFUL CV
- BASICS
- Personal & contact information.
- Education and qualifications.
- Work History.
- Relevant skills to the job.
- Hobbies.
- References.
- PRESENTATION
- A successful CV is always carefully and clearly presented.
- The layout should be well structured and easy to read.
- USE ONLY 2 A4 SIZE PAGES
- Make every point necessary without waffling so keep things short and sweet!!
- UNDERSTAND THE JOB DESCRIPTION
- The clues are in the job description, so read the details thoroughly.
- Highlight in your CV the skills that you can satisfy, in the areas you may be lacking certain skills then adapt the skills you do have. For example, if the job requires sales experience, there is nothing stopping you from using any retail work you’ve undertaken, even if it was just a part-time job you did whilst at University.
- MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Always use positive language when your completing the skills and experience section. These could include the words developed, organised, and achieved.
- Other key skill words you could use are communication skills, computer skills, team working, or even speaking a foreign language. Use skills you have gained from maybe being in a local sports teams or if you have done any voluntary work – it’s all relevant. Potential employers are always impressed with candidates who go the extra mile to boost their own skills and experience.
- Try to relate the skills you have learned to the job role you’re applying for.
- MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR INTERESTS
- Include anything that shows how interested and skilled you are. If you play a sport for a local team this shows you are a team player, or any clubs you were involved in during college/university. Don’t include interests like watching TV this could be perceived as you lacking in people skills.
- REFERENCES
- These should be from someone who has employed you. If you have never worked before that’s OK you can use a teacher or tutor. Try to include two if you can.