Tips on
how to write a CV that will get you interviews.
When you are on the hunt for a job, your CV is often the only
chance you have to make an eye-catching first impression. With employers
usually having to sort through hundreds (sometimes thousands) of job
applications, badly written or formatted CVs are usually thrown on the trash
immediately.
The format of your CV is the first thing that potential
employers will notice, so it is vital that you pay proper attention to it. Ensure
your CV looks clean and professional. Ensure the first page has enough to
get the attention of anyone reading your CV.
Here are a few tips:
Keep it
concise
Employers normally will not have the time or inclination to
properly read a CV that is more than a few pages. A good rule of thumb is to
keep your CV at two pages long, although for certain professions (such as
accounting or engineering), you may need to stretch it to three pages.
Use
the right Font
Steer away from using flowery or cartoonish fonts such as Sago or Monotype
Corsiva. Keep it simple with clean, modern fonts such as Calibri
or Arial, in size 11 - 12.
Use
the Right Headings
Start each section of your CV with a bold heading to make
for easy reading and referencing. You can also use lines underneath each
section to separate them clearly.
Proofread
your CV
Spelling and grammar errors are an absolute no-no. Make sure
that all your grammar is correct: errors in these areas show sloppiness.
Do not
use unnecessary Borders
You do not have to add one, but a simple, straight-lined
border can give a professional look to your CV. Keep your border width at 1.5
points or less: any thicker and you will detract attention from the body of the
CV.
Save your
CV in multiple Versions
The way your CV is saved on a computer is an aspect that is
often overlooked. Saving in Microsoft Word can result in format changes when
opened on other computers, so in addition have a PDF version.
What to include in your CV?
Now we get to the important part: the information you will
include in your CV. You can structure your CV as follows:
Use your name as the main title and include your contact telephone
number, and email address.
Add a short general description of yourself and the personal
characteristics that make you the best candidate for the job. Avoid ranting or
repeating yourself.
Add the relevant technical skills you have acquired that will
show the hiring manager that you are the right person for the job.
Add your work experience. You should add your most recent
work experience first. So, if you are currently employed, start by listing your
position and the length of time you have been at your company. Summarise your
duties. You can then do the same for any previous positions you have held. If
you have not had a permanent job before, then you could add any part-time jobs,
internships, or work shadowing you have done.
Move on to your education, start with your most recently
completed qualification, the name of the institution, and the years you were
studying.
If you have any work-related awards or completed any highly
notable projects, then you can add them in now.
These are general guidelines and they can be tweaked. Tailor
your CV to suit each job you are applying for, make sure that you highlight the
skills and personal characteristics that are most relevant.
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