Looking for a new job, or simply wanting to brush up on your CV? Then this is the article for you: we’ll be discussing the best ways to make your CV stand out from the crowd, as well as things to avoid. Employers spend an average of 6-8 seconds looking at your CV - so getting it right is vital. Without any further ado, here are the dos and don’ts for successful CV writing.
Don’t:
Write in paragraphs. It’s important that your CV is clear and easy to read, since recruiters look out for keywords rather than blocks of text. Try writing in bullet points, rather than full sentences, to keep things informative and concise.
Write your previous experience in chronological order. While a good option if you plan to stay in the same industry and have no gaps in your work history, a chronological CV puts you at risk of being overlooked by employers. Showcase your most recent and relevant experience at the top to hook your future employer.
Go into too much detail. Ensuring that you save something for the interview, such as developing your achievements and experience, can help to make an impression on the panel.
Use company language. While you may be used to using specialist terms or abbreviations, the person reading your CV may not always understand, especially if they aren’t an expert within the field.
Include a photo. Many companies are trying to reduce unconscious bias throughout their interview processes, and including a photo makes it harder to maintain balance. Also cut out any extra unnecessary information, such as age, ethnicity, or health status.
Do:
Follow a correct CV format: personal details (include your name, address, email, and contact number), personal statement (include the type of employee you are, your skills, and achievements - here, relevant awards, research interests, and publications may be applicable), education (include your degree, relevant training, and professional accreditation), employment history (include dates, job titles, and responsibilities), and references (or simply indicate that they are available on request). However, keep in mind that this isn’t set in stone, and sections can be rearranged to best suit your application.
Keep it short. For junior roles, a CV should be no longer than two sides of A4, and for a more senior role, it could go onto three sides. If your CV is longer, consider what you might be able to shorten, paraphrase, or potentially remove.
Tailor your CV. This is less important if you’re applying for a junior or general role, but if not, it can make a big difference. Draw out and highlight skills or achievements that are the most important for the role. Instead of using buzzwords like ‘hard-working’ or ‘commercial', which can turn employers off, think about examples you can give that demonstrate your skills. Power words such as supervised, launched, and coordinated may be especially useful here.
Be honest. Hiring managers are more diligent than ever when performing background checks, so avoid exaggeration or even white lies.
Ask others to proofread. Checking your CV for spelling and grammatical errors is key, and ensure there is plenty of white space to make for a pleasant reading experience!
References:
https://www.roberthalf.co.uk/advice/cv-and-cover-letters/11-dos-and-donts-writing-cv
https://www.nijobs.com/careeradvice/the-dos-and-donts-of-cv-writing
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