Having a compelling CV is crucial in today’s competitive job market. A well-structured CV can make the difference between landing your dream job and missing out on a great opportunity. So, we have created some top tips that we believe will help you create a CV that stands out to employers.
Tailor your CV to the Job
Highlight skills and experiences from each of your previous roles that are most relevant to the job description. Using keywords from the job description can catch the hiring manager’s eye and also shows that you have taken the time to understand what the company is looking for. You only need to go back 10 years of employment, unless one of the older positions are relevant to the job you are applying for.
Opening statements
Your opening statement/ summary is the first thing employers will read. Clearly summarise who you are, your key achievements, and what you can bring to the role. Aim to keep it under 100 words.
Focus on Achievements
It can be good to list your job duties but it is more important to focus on your achievements in each role. Use key examples to demonstrate the impact that you had and include specific results (if applicable) to catch the reader’s attention. Volunteering achievements can also be a stand-out for employers, so it is worth adding these if you have any.
Highlight your Skills
When detailing your achievements in each role it can be useful to incorporate which hard and soft skills you utilised or developed. Soft skills can be a differentiator between you and someone else so highlighting them can show how you are a great fit for the role. Including relevant certifications and memberships will also help you stand out because it shows a commitment to learning and development.
How does it look?
There is no rules for how long a CV should be however 91% of recruiters, that job board Reed surveyed, advised that two pages is the perfect CV length. Employers could only spend a couple of minutes scanning a CV depending on how many candidates apply so you want to stand out. Keep the design simple by using a professional layout with plenty of white space. Stick to one or two fonts and use bold or italics to highlight key sections. Make sure to proofread thoroughly before sending out to employers!
What information should be included when creating your CV?
- Name and contact details – Include an email address, phone number, and LinkedIn. You do not need to add your age, nationality, date of birth or marital status.
- Opening Statement – Keep this to a few lines about yourself and what you hope to achieve
- Work history and Experience – Include: Employer details, job role, employment dates and what your key achievements
- Education History – Include: Institution, Qualification with Grades and dates you attended
- Additional Sections – Key Skills, Volunteering, Memberships, Certificates outside of education
By tailoring your CV to each job, focusing on key achievements, and ensuring it is error-free, you can make a strong impression on potential employers. We hope our CV tips provide some advice to get you started on the next step in your career. We have attached a CV template that is free to download if you want a head start!