21 Apr 2009
Is Your CV Holding you Back?
Your CV is a unique chance to capture your potential employer’s attention and secure your dream job. But what does your CV say about you?
It’s not only important what you write in your CV, but also how it is written. That is why I have compiled this list of hints and tips to help you to create a CV that will be sure to bag you your dream job!
Content
- use positive language
- Emphasise what you have learnt in previous jobs and in your education. Do not simply create a list of what you have done.
- Make your most relevant skills and experience most prominent: for each job you apply for create a bespoke CV.
- Take care with dates: employers will be concerned if there appears to be large periods of time that are un-accounted for.
- Use two pages of A4- more and you will lose their attention, less and you will look unexperienced.
- Put your name in a header on both pages.
Career Profile
- You may wish to put a career profile on your CV; avoid generalisations such as ‘a dynamic team player’ as they sound cliché.
- personal details: this will usually consist of your name, address, telephone number and email. It is not necessary to supply information regarding your gender, age or nationality.
Layout
- Your CV should be neat and tidy.
- It should be concise and should not look as though you have tried to cram as much information as possible into a small space.
- Use headers and bold print to separate different sections and add emphasis.
- Avoid using tables and boxes; they make a page look cluttered.
- Use a good quality paper and ink.
Finally
- Tailor your CV to the job you are applying for.
- Remember that a good CV will give evidence, from your past experience, that you have the right skills and qualifications to to carry out the job to which your CV is targetted.
- Proof read: see this post and discover why this is so important: http://c2careers.wordpress.com/2009/05/12/how-not-too-write-a-cv/
Make the Most of the Tools Available to You
Why not check out the services offered by C2?
For Further CV advice see The 7 Sins- CV Mistakes to Avoid http://c2careers.wordpress.com/2009/09/24/the-7-sins-cv-mistakes-to-avoid/
Next Step
Hopefully this advice will result in you being invited to be interviewed. Read my essential tips and advice to ensure that your interview skills aren’t holding you back.
Wow, this information is really useful! I always have trouble putting a CV together – especially as i have done so many random jobs etc., but now i know to make CVs for specific jobs it should be much easier!
Abraham
May 4th, 2009 at 9:16 ampermalink
Glad this info was useful to you! Good luck with your job hunt.
Alison
May 5th, 2009 at 4:14 pmpermalink
[...] You could also submit your CV for review at c2. For more tips on how to write a CV you could look at this previous post: Is your CV holding you Back? [...]
How not too Write a CV « C2 Careers, Careers Changed
May 12th, 2009 at 4:36 pmpermalink
[...] Is your CV Holding you Back? [...]
Beat the Competition and get the Job you Want « C2 Careers, Careers Changed
May 29th, 2009 at 11:48 ampermalink
[...] In the past I’ve posted some general information on CV writing skills. See: Is Your CV Holding you back? [...]
The 7 Sins- CV mistakes to avoid « C2 Careers, Careers Changed
September 24th, 2009 at 9:55 ampermalink
i want a cv pls send me a cv or make a cv for me i will be very greatful if i have one
Rhms
December 11th, 2009 at 1:20 pmpermalink
Hopefull with the advice from this post you should be able to put together your own CV. You are the best person to write your CV as you know the most about your skills and experiences. That’s why C2 doesn’t offer a CV writing service. If you would like one of our advisers to review your CV then you can always submit it through our website: http://www.c2careers.com/eguidance.aspx
Alison
December 11th, 2009 at 5:42 pmpermalink