cv writing tips

CV tips that you need to know 

There are many CV tips included within the whole Careers advice section, but if you're short on time, or just need a quick refresh before writing your CV then this page is for you!

First/Third Person - It is best to use the first rather than the thrid person context for 99% of all CV's ( as in "I achieved" rather than "John achieved"

Tense - Sometimes job seekers use the wrong tense/ i.e. the present tense in previous work experience. You should use the past tense for past achievements. Also be careful that you write of instance that involve "you" and not company or team achievements. At interview you can prove that you are a team player.

Far too much text - CVs that have too much text to effectively hide the the relevant information, and makes it more difficult for an employer  to see all the benefits you could bring. Keep your CV simple and effective.

Bullet points - Using bullet points and reducing responsibilities and achievements to one per line your CV is much more legible, make sure that you know how to format the document. always get help if it doesnt look professional.

Quantifying - Always write about results you achieved, and make sure you that you can quantiyf them. Your CV is a spotlight that is meant to make you shine for all the achievements you have made.

Consider the employer - Put yourself in the shoes of the employer -  Try to understand what they are lookingi.e low risk, stable person, good telephone manner, loyal and so on... it will help you write the things they want to see.

Professional Memberships - if you are a member of a professional body you should inlcude this within your CV. Make sure that it has some signifiance to the role or can show the type of person that you are.

Be honest - Never lie on your CV. You could be on probation, or asked to complete tasks that you dont know how to do. It all means that you could be back looking for work quicker than you know it. Whether it is a junior role or a senior position you don't want skeletons in the closet to come and find you a few months later.

What is a CV? - How a CV can help you when job searching

Writing your CV - How to get ahead of the rest

CV Content - Details exactly what you should be including on your CV

CV Presentation - Key facts to get your CV noticed

Career job Descriptions - Facts about what jobs are really like