Do
- Succinct sentences are easy to scan, especially given many recruiters have just 10 seconds to read it.
- Use standard typefaces such as Arial, 11 or 12 points.
- Check and re-check spelling - do not rely on spell checker.
- Ensure your personal details are printed by all printers - not in the header/footer.
- Dates of employment should be easily found and consistent.
- Lead with achievements, use active verbs and positive language.
- Follow up all claims with proven examples, be quantitative as well as qualitative.
- Use email addresses where referees are overseas.
- Include awards or recognition received for work well done, together with professional memberships and relevant training.
- Keep your CV honest, factual and to two pages.
- Ensure every line sells you at your best.
- Prioritise relevant content.
- Ensure you send your CV with a covering letter ideally to a named individual.
- Take ownership and use words such as Determined, Implemented, Created, Devised, Coordinated and Conceived.
- Include figures i.e. number of staff you managed or budget size.
- Focus on what you have to offer the employer rather than listing what you have done.
- Ask trusted colleagues and friends if this is an accurate representation of you.
- Seek feedback if you are not achieving any interviews and if you feel your CV is not reflecting you at your best seek external advice.
Contact
The Fuller CV for a Free CV Check.
Don't
- Date your CV.
- Put your irrelevant personal details first i.e. date of birth and nationality.
- Mention salaries.
- It is not necessary to put reasons for leaving.
- Include negative or irrelevant information.
- Lie!
- Use Reverse Chronological format.
- Put education first if its 10 years out of date.
- List every employer if you have been working since the seventies.
- Allocate the same space to all positions, prioritise the content.
- Quote unsubstantiated superlatives.
- Modify your CV for every application unless you have a foolproof method of remembering to whom you sent which edition.
Need more help? Contact The Fuller CV for a Free CV Check.
