Writing a professional CV

I’m sure you can imagine that as a professional recruiter, and indeed employer, I have seen my fair share of CVs over the years. It still never ceases to amaze me how badly written some of these CVs are – even from very senior people.

Here are a couple of examples from real candidates’ CVs for people who really won’t make it past the first hurdle. Hopefully after smiling at these you’ll take even more care with your CV and I hope the rest of the information below will help.

“I am very smart open and approachable. I very honest and always pat attention to details.”

“I work in the Post Office severing customers”

“I consider my-self to be an outgoing, fun and happy sales driven indevidual. I have a great attention to detail and think of my-self as hard working and well organised. “

Your CV is your selling tool – your brand if you like. It MUST sell you to a prospective agency or employer so that you can get the opportunity to sell yourself in front of them. Never underestimate the power of a good CV or, indeed, the chances you are missing if you write a poor CV.

Do’s and Dont’s

DO

Make it clear and concise:
Most people will initially scan your CV rather than read it word for word, so make it easy to read with relevant points highlighted – and keep it short – few people will read a 3 or 4 page CV, they haven’t got time. One or two pages of A4 is ideal.

Sell yourself- this may seem obvious but unfortunately even some of the best salespeople forget that this what their CV should do and whether you are an engineer, a salesman or an accountant your CV needs to sell your services to ensure you get that all important interview.

Benefits, benefits, benefits! Why should someone employ you? What have you achieved in your career to date? How have you added to your company’s profits/objectives? Give examples of your achievements, how you have helped others to achieve, pertinent highlights from your last position. Show how your career has progressed and why you are looking for a new challenge.

Always check your spelling and grammar – if you know you’re not the world’s greatest speller don’t rely on your PC to spell check, get someone who is good to proof read it. A poorly written CV, no matter how good the content may be, will usually go on to the reject pile.

Do your homework – always ensure that you make your covering letter relevant to the job you are applying for. So many people, who really should know better, write a standard letter and ship it out with their CV to all and sundry – reject pile I’m afraid.

Write your CV on your computer – seems obvious but still people send in handwritten CVs – unless your handwriting really is copperplate and therefore legible to all – use your computer – something we can all read.

Use decent quality paper if you are posting your CV (most CVs are emailed but you may be asked to post one) for both your letter and CV – we still get CVs sent in with a letter on a torn out piece of paper from a notebook scribbled in biro. How professional does that make you look?

Account for any gaps in your CV

Ensure that you get your dates right and if there are any gaps make sure you account for these (don’t make us assume!)

Check your CV on your computer before emailing it – make sure it looks good on screen which is where most CVs will be viewed.

Don’t

Lie

You will be found out.

Use text speak – It’s unprofessional – fine when texting your friends a no no on a CV.

DO – Check out our websites – www.elementaryresources.co.uk and www.lavajobs.co.uk