When writing a CV there are several things you need to know, take into account and really focus on!
Employers want to know these three things!
1. Can you do this job?
2. Why should we choose you?
3. Will you fit in with us?
It’s your ticket to play the game and you have to do it right. If you don’t, recruiters and hiring managers will rule you out.
Once you are ruled in, then you have to stand out above all the other applicants who are ruled in. Show some personality/enthusiasm there are lots of stories on the internet about people using really creative ways to get their application seen, in a competitive job market you need to show something a little extra
The person reading your CV will possibly have 20+ to read, make it easy to read, to the point and interesting. You have no more than 60 seconds to show that you have the skills for the job so make sure you do! Spelling and Grammar errors are unforgiving, most recruiters will bin CV’s with even one mistake on.Use a font that is clear and easy to read, Arial is a good option size 12 or 11
When writing your Key Skills, try to tailor them to the position you are applying for. If you have big gaps in your employment history, explain this gap in your introduction. When writing a description of your work duties make it to the point and not long winded. Employers don’t need to know every little thing you did only the basics e.g. Served Customers, Cleaned Rooms etc. If you get through to the interview stage then it can be discussed in more detail thenHave a “critical” friend check it over and before you start sending it out
If you are uploading a CV onto a recruitment website such as Reed or Indeed, be careful of what details you put on it since you will not know who has access to it. Always include a covering letter that is tailored to the job. If you are applying for a creative job use some creativity within your application make it stand out
What you don’t need to do!
- You do not need to put your date of birth
- Do not have more than two pages of a CV