cv content

Getting your CV content and length right

getting the length of your content right is one of the most hardest aspects of your CV. Even if you've got excellent writing skills there is a right and a wrong way of putting across the content on your CV. Get the content right (and everything else on your CV) and you could land the job of your dreams, but get it wrong and you may be wasting your time.

Getting the employer or recruiter to read your CV and then think you are the "ideal" applicant is not always a matter of just what you say and the way you say it, but also what you do write into your CV. You are trying to sell yourself in such a way that your CV stands out above the crowd. It's likley that you have similar or exactly the same skills as many other applicants that have applied for this job. But if you can sell your skills in a more professional and targeted manner then this could just give you the edge.

Good content means saying the right things in the right order. It is easier said than done to do this, and you need to be honest with yourself and seek help if you know that this is not your forte.  if you're applying for a job that will give you a significant career boost or a rare chance to earn substantially more dollars, go and get some good CV advice. you'll need an expert - you might get lucky and have a recruitment consultant that can help you, or you may need some CV writer to make your CV glow.  

CV Page Length

There's a lot or opinion about CV length - generally, your CV should be no more than three pages. If you cannot explain why you are the right applicant in three 14 pages, then it's likley you're not right for the job. 

recruitment consultants, use a variety of methods to review CV's the most frequent used is the "glance effect" it's about a 3 second glance on the profile and then most recent work history. If your details meet or exceed the overall key points they're recruiting for your cv will then be properly read.

To optimise your CV try to go for the following:

1 - Balanced in presentation : E.g. whole pages, do not have 2.5 or 3.5 pages.

2 - Balanced in content : E.g. Not just work experience and no mention of academic studies. 

3 - Have relevant information: It is better to have a concise and highly relevant CV than a very long one that waffles.

Consider including a photo of yourself in the CV. It is obviously a great idea if you are photogenic and have a recent picture of yourself.

top tip - if you're going to include a photo, use the very top right hand side, or include it near to your contact information. Try to use a passport photo size. always make sure you'e smiling. Get a second opinion before sending.  

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

Writing your CV - How to get ahead of the rest

CV Presentation - Key facts to get your CV noticed

CV Writing tips -  Tips from recruitment consultants

Awesome words  - Tips for getting better CV results