Your CV is your most powerful tool in securing an interview. Our top tips below will help you format your CV so that it looks professional and allows you to stand out in a crowd.
Before writing your CV, write down all the facts about yourself; your career, training, skills and experience. Make sure you relate these to the job you are applying.
Have your CV prepared before you start your job search. You will be able to respond quickly to any job advertisements you see.
Your CV is the first thing employers see so make sure your CV stands out against other candidates. Aim for a logical and neat layout.
The recommended length for a CV is two-sides of A4 paper. Make sure you describe your personality, key skills and work experience in no more than 4-5 lines. This will provide a personal introduction to you, which can be used for quick reference by the organisation.
If you have any gaps between roles, be sure to catalogue how you spent that time i.e. travelling, college, university and so on.
Produce your CV on a computer to create a professional and legible document.
You might need to tailor your CV to each job you apply for. If you have lots of skills, make sure you make the most of the relevant ones.
Check that all spelling and grammar is correct and that the style is consistent, avoid abbreviation or jargon.
It should be honest, business-like and presented in an eye-catching way. It is advisable to avoid over-use of graphics and/or pictures.
