CV Tips

Here are a few tips on writing a winning CV:

1. Keep it real
   Never lie on your CV. You will be found out at some stage and when you do it won't be pretty.
2. Keep it brief
   Recruiters will not read through your life story epic. In most cases, if you cannot convince them that you're worth speaking to within 2 pages, then your CV will be 'filed appropriately'. In fact, it will receive less than 30 seconds' attention so that first page is critical.
3. Keep it relevant
   Recruiters will not search your CV for clues to your expertise. Ensure your CV is tailored specifically for its recipient. Whilst a one-size-fits-all CV might make life easier for you, it is unlikely that each of your skills or achievements is of equal relevance to every employer. This is particularly important if you have a broad skill set and are applying for a variety of roles. Ensure that for each individual application you give yourself the best chance of success by making it crystal clear how you fulfil the recruiter's requirements.
4. Avoid jargon
   Don't assume that every person who reviews your CV will be familiar with your industry or technical jargon. Whilst the recruiting line manager probably will be, HR may well not. Instead of simply listing areas of technical competence, it is often helpful to put this into context so that it's clear how and in which kind of environments it has been applied.
5. Focus on the positives
   The key to a successful CV is presenting yourself in the best possible light with huge emphasis on your achievements. We are programmed from an early age that we shouldn't 'blow our own trumpets'...well now is your chance! People don't know how great you are until you tell them. This needs to be done in a professional manner which focuses on facts rather than stories and opinions. In most cases, it is best to leave out information which could be construed as negative (eg reasons for leaving a previous job). It is too early in the process to offer people reasons to reject you.
6. Performance matters
   Weak CVs list responsibilities and give no indication of candidates' performance levels. Everyone wants to recruit the highest achievers, not those who just turn up for work and do their job, so it's important that your CV sets you apart from the crowd. There are ways to measure performance in every job - if your role or company has no formalised procedures, ensure you keep track of your own attainment of goals and objectives.
7. Bite the Bullet (or use them anyway)
   Bullet points offer a much more effective way to present your career achievements than full sentences. In addition to being quicker and easier to read, they are punchier, harder-hitting and ensure your key messages are not diluted by extraneous detail.
8. Achieve perfection
   To you, the odd typo or spelling error might not matter too much these days. To most senior managers who will be judging you, they do. Professionalism is the key, and to many, a well-constructed, grammatically correct CV is a good indicator.

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