Here are our top tips for effective CV writing… plus a few things to avoid like the plague!
1. Use a template
You can pick up a free CV template from many large job search websites and in Word. Using a template will ensure you include all the necessary information and you won’t have to struggle with formatting and layout because it will have been done for you.
2. Keep your CV up to date
An old CV is unprofessional so ensure yours includes everything right up to the present day. New skill? New achievement? New job title? Add it to your CV immediately. Don’t wait until you’re job-hunting – make a note of it now before you forget!
3. Check your CV’s accuracy
And I mean every single word! This should include job description text, salaries, dates, and previous employers’ company names. Spelling and grammatical mistakes are incredibly common but could lead to an immediate rejection. If writing isn’t your forte ask a literate friend (or your mum) to proof-read.
4. Tailor your CV
Read the job description carefully then slightly ‘tweak’ your CV content accordingly. Don’t lie – concentrate on the skills, achievements and personal qualities your target employer is looking for. Always make you application relevant to the job you’re applying for and throw that generic CV in the bin!
5 Keep your CV short
Employers won’t want to read a book about you – stick to 2 pages, maximum. What’s important is your job history and relevant skills so stick to that and ditch those GCSE grades from 10 years ago!
Written for William-Arthur by Andrea Shavick, author of 7 books on job-hunting and psychometric tests, including Practice Psychometric Tests, Passing Psychometric tests and Management Level Psychometric and Assessment Tests. To buy online click here.
Article by:
11th March 2018
