The main aim of a CV is to land you an interview right? Your CV is your first introduction to an employer and first impressions count.
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Be Honest
Employers will see straight through a lie either directly in the CV or during an interview. Sell yourself whilst not exaggerating the truth. List only qualifications you have, and are up to date and recent. There’s no point listing a skill you had 20 years ago when if asked you’d not have a clue today.
Less is More
So you have a long and varied employment history? Don’t go overboard on the number of jobs you include on your CV. Keep your CV to 3 pages maximum. Include only the past 5 years of experience.
Write a few paragraphs or bullets on each employer. Start by listing out the projects you worked on, the skills you gained, and what you bought to the company. Ensure you start with your last employment first. Since it’s also the first, your new employer will read that first. You can make your last employment the longest and most descriptive, it’s likely to be the most relevant. If the job you are applying for is a step up in position, demonstrate all the reasons that make you sound suitable for that level.
Register on job sites, such as Job leap
Use an upto date proof read cv and let employers find you. Register with us here, and we will send you jobs by email and employers can search our database to find you. There are many job sites available, pick a select few and those that fit the type of job you are looking for.
Multiple CVs
Tailor your Cv to the job title and skills they are looking for. Read a job description and tailor your cv to meet that description. Ensure you come across as a good match for the skills the employer is looking for.
Get someone to proof read your CV
It’s far better to ask a few friends and family to read your CV and spot any spelling or grammar issues than letting an employer see them and dismiss you. You can even ask them to comment on the format and layout and show them job descriptions for jobs you wish to apply for. It will give them purpose and context. Take all feedback constructively, you don’t have to act on it all.
Know your CV
Once you’ve got a Cv ready to send to employers, makes sure you understand everything you’ve said and be prepared to answer questions on it. Think about the sort of questions an employer will ask and prep for that interview. Starting prep before interviews even get booked in, will mean you’ll come across prepared and calm under interview. Again you can ask friends and family to perform mock questions based on the jobs you are applying for.
If you are likely to be tested, start doing some revision and mock tests if time allows.