- Your CV is a fundamental element of your job search. The aim of a CV is to convince the employer that you have the appropriate skills, experiences, competencies and aspirations to do the job successfully
- It should provide the reader with sufficient information to understand your background and how it relates to a particular position or to potential job opportunities.
- It is a marketing tool, the first step in selling yourself and your unique abilities to prospective employers and to recruitment companies.
- Your CV must be relevant to the position that you are applying for. Read over the job advertisement and emphasize the skills and experiences you currently possess that are appropriate to the role.
- Make sure you proofread! Be careful to look out for poor grammar and spelling errors. Avoid using abbreviations, jargon and clichés.
- Use bullet points to highlight your responsibilities and achievements.
- Use subheadings to easily assist potential employers in gathering the information they require. There should be clear spaces between the different elements in your CV.
- Write in a clear, understandable manner, using action words such as accomplished, negotiated, produced, improved and achieved etc.
- Keep your CV short, simple and concise. Two to four pages is an ideal length.
- Make sure you do not leave any gaps in your employment history.
- Quantify your achievements. Use exact facts and figures to summarise your key achievements.
- Your CV will be used as a two way discussion tool when you reach the interview stage. What you state in your CV,the interviewer will likely ask you to expand on so be sure not to exaggerate your experience and be prepared to provide examples of your achievements.
- First impressions count. Ensure your CV is clear, concise and easy to read. Achieve this by using bullet points, subheadings and a plain font such as Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman.
- Relevance. Tailor your CV to suit the particular position you are applying for.
- Be specific. Use qualitative facts and figures to express your achievements.
- Be honest. Do not over exaggerate your skills and accomplishments as this will only reduce your credibility
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