Get your CV right
Often employers will ask you to send them a CV when you apply for a job. And while you may know you can impress them at interview stage, securing an interview rests on one piece of paper - your CV.
Getting the layout right
Don't go overboard with the layout of your CV. Fancy blue paper, with lots of graphics and sparkles isn't going to make you get the job. However, it is important to consider carefully the layout of your CV.
• Choose one font and stick to it
• If you decide to use bullet points, use them throughout - don't swap and change styles
• Break your CV down into sections eg. skills and qualifications, employment history, contact details etc
• Start you CV with one stand alone sentence that sums up your skills, abilities and achievements. Sell yourself with this sentence, it's the first thing potential employers will see. It's also a great way of focusing your thoughts on your key skills and achievements .
Grammar and punctuation
You may have the most impressive set of skills and qualifications but your CV will let you down if there are grammatical errors.
• Always spell check your CV and make sure your spell checker is set to UK English, not US
• Avoid lots of abbreviations and never write in note form
• Don't swap and change tenses, choose one and stick to it
• If you don't think your grammar and punctuation skills are up to scratch ask a friend to check it over for you.
• Keep reading it through - if you make any changes always re-read it to make sure it still makes sense
Sell yourself
This is your one big chance to sell yourself to employers to try and gain an interview
• Always sound positive, say ‘I would enjoy...' rather than ‘I'm prepared to ....'
• Have confidence in yourself, say ‘I am...' rather than ‘I feel I am ...'
• Don't just describe your previous roles, list your achievements in that role
• Give examples - don't just say you're a good team player, give examples of times you've work well in teams and the successes you've achieved.
Transferrable skills
You may be applying for a type of role you've never done before and you may not think you have the right skills. But take some time to look at the duties you carried out and you'll realise you've acquired a lot more skills than you think.
For example, if you've always worked as a plumber you may think you may not realise you've also acquired organisational and time management skills, communication skills, dealing with people of all levels, liaising with suppliers, meeting deadlines, the list could go on and on.
Interests and hobbies
This can be a great way for employers to find about your personality. A wide range of interests shows that you will fit in really well to different environments
If you lack some of the skills you need from your previous work you may find your experience gained through outside interests and hobbies will make up for it.
Gaps in your CV
• Don't leave gaps in your CV, potential employers will see these and will want to know why
• Don't be scared of periods of unemployment on your CV - just be sure to show that you were gaining experience or developing skills during that time.
• Even if you feel mistakes have been made in the past, portray them in a positive light and show how you learned from them.
