Create a winning CV

It may be awhile since you’ve reviewed your CV, or perhaps you actually need to put one together for the first time. The good news is that there is no such thing as a ‘Standard CV’.  We’ve seen hundreds of different formats and types, and the CV advice tips below are based on what the best resumes have in common. It’s a good place to start.

• Firstly ensure your CV includes your Contact Details –  You’d be surprised how many don’t! Contact details, including address, phone numbers and email, need to be clearly stated at the top of the document.

• Do include relevant education details, including the name of the course, institution and graduate date. If you have not completed your qualifications make sure this is clear to whoever is reading it. Do list any specific academic achievements such as your results or honors / university awards.

• Ensure that your CV is written in a clear font that is easily legible. Calbri in size 11 is a good example.  Always spell check! And proof read your CV many times to pick up any words that spell check may have missed (i.e spelt correctly however used in the wrong context, (eg. There / their). First impressions count.

• Career History: Always start with your most recent experience and work backwards.
• It is useful to give a short overview of what the organisation does, the size of it, and the markets it operates in. Never assume that people are familiar with it.
• Make sure your dates are stated clearly including the months. Note if a role was a contract/interim position or it will be assumed to be a permanent role.
• Be concise and to the point. A CV should not be written like a story. Succinct bullet points on roles and responsibilities is enough. Do include the number of people managed (if relevant), list any revenue / fiscal responsibilities clearly, and detail any specific projects worked on.
• Under the responsibilities section of each position it is useful to have a separate section on Achievements. It is here that you are able to demonstrate what impact you had in the role.

• If writing a cover letter, make sure it is tailored for the role! You’d be surprised how many people attach the wrong cover letter to the wrong application.

• If you’d like more CV advice or feedback on your CV we’d be delighted to assist you. Just get in touch and we can work through it together.