If you're fed up with your job and thinking about applying for a different one, or if you're simply struggling to get your C.V noticed, checking you have ticked all these boxes should be your next move.
Applying for jobs can be a long process - but if you get your CV right it can be a lot easier
Limit your writing
Not allowing yourself to write over one double-sided piece of A4 will force you to write information and sell yourself in a clear and concise way.
An employer will most likely make judgement on your C.V within the first few seconds of picking it up - and may even throw it straight in the bin if it looks like it’s going to take up too much time.
Separating your C.V into sections and limiting your word usage for each one is a good way to put your point across without an overbearing amount of information.
Get a friend to read it over
Sometimes, having a fresh pair of eyes check over what you’ve written is a helpful way to make improvements. Often, we miss our own minor mistakes and it takes someone else to point it out for us to notice and do something about it.
If an employer notices these mistakes – that’s not good. If a friend or family member points them out first, it may save you from being thrown straight in the bin.
Use concise language
Getting to the point is crucial on a C.V.
Although the more you sell yourself, and the more information you include, the better your chances of landing the job is, they also don’t want to know about the module breakdown of your Maths GCSE or need a complete list of every single duty you did in a job ten years ago.
Make sure you include the most important and relevant points first, and present them as clearly as possible, without using too much unnecessary wording around it.
Remember to include all your achievements
Although you don’t want to bang on, it is important that you do get everything you’re proud of in there. Remember – you’re trying to sell yourself.
If you’re a modest person, writing about how fantastic you are can feel daunting and forced, but you’ve got to shout about your achievements to get yourself noticed.
One way to overcome this is to ask your friends what they think are you best qualities and achievements, that way they’re almost doing the hard work for you. Then you’ve just got to put it down on paper…
Tailor it to the job you are applying for
If you’re applying for a job as a waitress, you might want to include that qualification in food hygiene nearer the top of the C.V rather than the A Level you got in Politics.
Although writing a cover letter is usually the best way to tailor your application to the type of job you’re applying for, it’s important to prioritise all the qualifications and experience you have in the relevant field which you’re applying for, first.
It might be worth putting together a short paragraph which outlines exactly all the experience, skills an knowledge you have for the exact job you’re applying for.
Use an appropriate font
Ariel, Times New Roman, Verdana, all ok.
Comic Sans, Century Gothic, Bradley Hand ITC, not good…
The font you decide on will speak volumes about your professionalism – especially if it’s a terrible choice.
Write a covering letter
The covering letter is often the thing that sways it.
If you write a good covering letter, you’re more likely to get yourself that job! This is your opportunity to explain why you’re applying for the role, why you think you’d be perfect for it, and why your experience will benefit you in that position.
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