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1. Keep it simple

When we look at your CV, we’re scanning it for reassurance that you tick all the left boxes. So, make it easy for us to see that you do. There are templates available on Microsoft word to help start you off or find some template here. The basics you should cover – under these headings – are:
 

Personal profile and contact information 
This is the best place to include your personal profile such as your contact details and postal area – no more than two lines.


Work history / experience 

Include bullet points of dates worked, job title, company and responsibilities in this section. Have your most recent employment at the top and work back from there. If you have a gap in your employment, write a short statement with the dates included as to why there is a gap. If your management or above, include details such as how many direct reports, what stakeholders you managed, what services you offered and to how many.


Education and qualifications
Keep short and clear, highlighting qualifications that relate to the role you are applying for.

 

2.  Keep it clear

This reflects you... so don’t start getting fussy with lots of fonts and backgrounds. It should be carefully and clearly presented on clean white paper, with a clear, well-structured layout (follow our headers in ‘keep it simple’) and using one readable font. Please ensure you grammar and spell check, attention to detail is a skill needed in all jobs so when a recruiter opens your cv and it is covered in grammatical and spelling errors, it doesn’t show us you double check your work. Try getting someone else read your CV before submitting.

 

3. Keep it relevant

Show that the shoe fits – tailor your CV for the job role. There are clues in the job description, so read it carefully. Take notes so you understand exactly what the job entails and how you meet each of the requirements. THEN you can adapt your CV to suit. For instance, if you’re in sales you might want to talk about the percentage growth you’ve helped achieve. This is especially important if you are changing your career direction, you need to highlight to areas that relate to the new job role.

 

4. Keep it updated

Do this regularly, adding in new skills or experience.