How To….write the perfect CV
How To….Write The Perfect CV
There’s a huge amount of information out there with regards to CVs, so we have created a step-by-step guide to help you create your perfect CV. So how do you get your story across to your potential new employer in one document, bringing your character to life and what elements do you want to showcase?
You are the author of your CV; it is the story of your education, career and, most importantly, of you as a person. Your potential employer is the reader. Like any good writer, you need to grab the reader’s attention from the outset otherwise you risk them losing interest and moving on. And you need to explain, explain and explain some more!
Your CV needs to be:
• Consistent - from font size to tense
• Accurate - dates, grades and the all important spelling and punctuation
• Relevant to the role which you are applying to
• Style - choose a professional format
• Readable - with a good flow
• Visually attractive
• Detailed - descriptive but succinct - 1-3 pages
• Compatible format - with other devices
Like with any good story, you need to create a beginning, a middle and an end.
The beginning of your CV is the equivalent to the opening chapter of a novel, it introduces the main character (you) and it sets the scene. This is your chance to grab the reader’s (hiring manager’s) attention and explain a bit about you and what makes you relevant to the role which you are applying to.
The middle is the main part of your story; what education did you complete, how have you started/built your career, what choices have you made and what skills have you gained? This consists of three parts: SKILLS, EDUCATION, WORK HISTORY.
The end; the reader wants to know how the story ends and to find out more about you as a person. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time, not generic hobbies but something that makes you unique and interesting. This enables the reader to connect with you, to understand your motivations behind your application and whether you may fit into their company culture. Most people update their career history section of their CVs but may forget about their hobbies.
Gaps: If there is an explainable gap, explain it. It’s human nature to question a gap and it could be a reason why you aren’t offered an interview.
And finally….make sure you spell check your final version, check the grammar, punctuation, spacing and formatting. It’s the detail that will separate you from the other applicants and help to secure you an interview!
If you would like a copy of our How To…. guide, please get in touch by email, via our website, or call us on 020 3824 1111.
