The Platform Project: Case Study
THE COMPANY The Platform Project are a fantastic non-profit organisation based in Swindon. Bridging…
Posted by Niche Recruitment
18th February 2021
CV Success: Do’s and Don’ts
So you’re looking for work…Where do you begin? We’ve listed our top tips of what makes a killer CV, and also what kills your chances of success and landing that dream role.
BACK TO BASICS
There’s no law on what a resume should include, but there are some universal basics we expect to see:
- your name,
- contact details,
- work experience,
- education and/or qualifications.
Add a personal touch by summarising yourself in a -brief- personal statement, detailing your career highlights and what you’re looking for now.
DATES
Top 10 pet peeve = listed work experience without time-frames. Be precise; always have a month and a year on all periods of occupation, whether work experience or study.
FILL IN GAPS OF EMPLOYMENT
Unfortunately, if you don’t specify that you’ve been travelling the world, or taking care of your young children, employers will assume you’ve been idle so this means to maximise your CV success make sure it is up to date.
LENGTH
Unless your long distant job experience is directly relevant to the role you’re applying for, don’t go into detail. We suggest you have a main description about your current position or longest employment, then briefly highlight the main points.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
When it comes to content, simplicity is king. Bullet point your key responsibilities in each role! This also applies to the layout. Don’t risk fancy templates unless you’re shooting for a creative job.
LANGUAGE
First and foremost, make sure you check your spelling & grammar! You want to show employers that you’re an articulated candidate…typos aren’t conducive to that.
Also, NOTE: Unless you’re going specifically for a creative role, stick with the professional language and cut the chat; save your winning personality for in-person. Using formal, positive language presents a spot-on corporate neutral that we can’t fault.
DON’T LIE:
You all know this, and yet some people still embellish the truth, only to get caught out in the interview. Say it how it is, and we’ll appreciate your honesty. If you’re worried you’re lacking experience, use what you have…translate even entry-level duties into transferable skills.
ORDER
- Name
- Personal Details – This is a need-to-know basis. Contact number, email and home address is fine. In addition, if you have a website or blog specific to your professional interests – put that in!
- Personal Statement – This can prioritise your career overview effectively and set the scene for the reader.
- Work Experience – This comes first over education unless you’re a fresh graduate.
- Education – We advise you to list your most recent academic achievements, and that’s it.
- Qualifications – Depending on your highest qualification, Qualifications and Education could do a switcheroo.
- Interests – You’re not fooling anyone in saying you’re a work-a-holic. There must be something your passionate about.
- References – Are not necessary on a CV. If we want them, we’ll ask for them. Most CVs nowadays specify that any ‘references are available on request’.
VIDEO
We don’t come across too many video CVs, but with the digital age upon us, they are definitely something to consider for your future job search, with the potential for a more personable and unique self-presentation. Perhaps consider using a brief video as a visual personal statement in a supplement to a paper-based version of your CV.
Share is blog here!
Still not sure about optimising your CV success, we have plenty more tips for you to try in our blog
