A well presented and written CV can go a long way to getting you invited to the job interview that you want. It is the first opportunity you will have of making a impression on a prospective employer. Whether that impression is good or bad really depends on how professional your CV is.
All jobseekers could do with some CV help and guidance, either to develop their fist every CV or to upgrade and revamp a existing one. On this page we will give you CV tips and advice on how to create a professional looking resume.
First impressions count in job hunting so spend time on your CV to ensure it’s to the highest standards.
How many pages should a professional CV be?
A good CV should be no longer than two pages long. This should be more than enough space for you to highlight your relevant skill sets.
To keep your CV short and to conserve space it may be necessary to leave out less important details like your ‘hobbies and pastimes’ etc.
Should I create a different CV for each job I apply for?
If you have the time to do this then you should. By tailoring your CV to the vacancy you are applying for, you have a better chance of highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications. To do this you must read the job advert carefully and find out what skills the employer is looking for. You should also research the industry that the employer is in.
What details and information should I put in my CV?
A CV should be targeted to get you a interview and not for you to write down your life story. Also remember that a employer will only initially have up to two minutes to quickly scan through your resume. For these reasons only put in that information that is relevant to the job you are applying for. Concentrate on your previous work duties, responsibilities and academic qualifications.
Simplicity is best
Keep your CV simple, easy to read and to the point. Use words and terminology that are related to your industry sector. Do not include irrelevant information like where you went on holiday, or who your favourite author is. Focus only on work related issues.
Grammatical errors
If a employer finds any simple typing errors in your CV then it will probably be binned immediately. Therefore its good practise to have someone other than yourself proof read your work to make sure it reads correctly. Also use spell checking tools to find and rectify any spelling mistakes.