It’s important to remember that your CV is your most important tool when it comes to job hunting. You may only have one shot to get it in front of an employer so it needs to highlight you in the best possible way and make you stand out from the crowd.
An employer is likely to receive an enormous number of CVs and it’s important to make sure you grab their attention with yours. The purpose of your CV is to highlight your educational and professional achievements to date and should be crafted to the job you are applying for.
Below are a list of DOs and DON’Ts when it comes to writing your CV.
Your Name
email@address.co.uk
07700 000 000
99 Example Street, Example Town, EX4 3PL
PROFILE
Your profile is the most important part of you CV.
Its aim is to highlight your professional attributes and experience, summarising why someone should consider your application.
• Try to avoid cliché phrases that do not differentiate you as a candidate
• Always tailor your CV for each job application to match the requirements
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
• Select 1-3 key achievements from your career which you know demonstrate your ability to do the job you are applying for
• First read the job description and match any which you see are similar to the duties and responsibilities listed to make sure that what you include is entirely relevant each time
KEY SKILLS
Technical Skills
• Show that you have the relevant knowledge required to succeed in the role
• Include computer software you have used and relevant training courses
Personal Skills
• Include your attributes that are essential to the role
• Good communication and flexibility are qualities that all employers look for
CERTIFICATES & MEMBERSHIPS
• Include any relevant professional qualifications here
• Add any professional associations of which you are a member (such as IMechE)
EDUCATION
• University Name, Location - Course Title, Grade
• College Name, Location - Course Titles, Grades
• School Name, Location Grades
EMPLOYMENT (Most recent first)
Job Title - Company Name - Location
Dates of Employment – state reason for leaving or contract/interim
Key Achievements:
• Provide a list of the key achievements you have made in your job
• Try to show evidence such as percentage increases or financial figures
• Always keep examples relevant to the role you are applying for
Job Title - Company Name - Location
Dates of Employment
For older jobs you should keep the details slightly shorter, only offering information that will help you reach the next stage in your career. Be sure to list key achievements for each job.
PERSONAL INTERESTS/HOBBIES
Outside interests enable a potential employer to find out more about you and what additional skills you may have. For example, being a member of a football team would demonstrate teamwork.
REFERENCES
References are available on request.