CV Writing Tips

We've prepared a few job tips below that may help you in your job search.

The aim of your CV is to get you chosen for interview - there are likely to be many other applicants for the same job, so you want to ensure that the reader can quickly identify you as a good potential candidate for the vacancy. This means it should be clear, accurate and well thought out, reflecting your abilities and achievements to best advantage. Below are some guidelines - but remember - CVs should be written with the reader in mind and not the writer!

Be Concise

• Try not to exceed two pages. You don't want to force the reader through reams of paper to find the information he or she needs in order to come to an interview decision. Obviously you'll want to describe experience you have which is relevant in the most detail, so précis descriptions of your early work to save too lengthy a document if necessary
• Try and make sure that key, relevant information is shown clearly on the front page of your CV, making it as easy as possible for the reader to make the decision to bring you in for an interview
• Don't use jargon or abbreviations unless they're commonly used expressions

Presentation Counts

• Make the document as easy-to-read as you can. Use a combination of emboldening, upper and lower case type. Think about which titles you want to emphasise and which details should be in lower case letters. Never have the entire document in upper case - it becomes very hard on the eye. Don't overdo it - the rule is keep it clear and simple
• The presentation and layout of your CV is very important, especially if your chosen career path requires you to format documents or present information clearly

Be Positive

• Ensure you use lots of positive verbs to describe your achievements ie: approved, demonstrated, edited, estimated, finalised, launched, organised, participated, scheduled, supervised - the list is endless. You may want to make a list of these "words of action" before you start - you can then select appropriate ones as you compile your descriptions

The Detail

• Somewhere in the document you should give details of your name, address, phone numbers, e-mail address - usually at the beginning. Name and contact numbers should always go at the beginning creating a quick reference for the reader. If the role you are applying for requires a specific qualification or level of education, make sure that this is highlighted on the front page of your CV,  but some people prefer to put education at the end along with details of interests and hobbies.  This is fine if there is no obvious need for certain qualifications
• Give educational details (even though it may be some time ago!) For education after the age of 11, add the name of the school or college, with dates, and make courses and results clear. Make sure you include all relevant courses, particularly those undertaken during your working life (ie telephone techniques, computer or technical training, office administration or supervisory and management courses)
• Try to mention those hobbies or interests which show a range of skills or interests. If the job requires a specific type of person, for example an outgoing personality, mention the hobbies where you mix with others or are part of a club or team. If you are physically active, perhaps mention any sporting activities in which you engage
• It is nearly always more appropriate to give details of your present or most recent employer first and work backwards.  The same goes for education
• Put the name of each employer and their location. If it isn't obvious, briefly describe the company's function (ie: electronic component manufacturers, retail shop, advertising agency etc) There is no need for lengthy address details.  Dates should accompany each job on the CV and these should be written in a “month/year” to “month/year” format. i.e. Jan 2010 to May 2010
• Although you will need to put your job title, remember this alone will say nothing about how you performed in the job. Job titles can mean different things in different companies so always go on to describe your duties, responsibilities and achievements. Don't assume a new employer will know what a "Grade 5 Administrator" does. Try and describe "what" you did as well as "how" you did it and be sure to include any achievements gained in your roles, especially if they are measurable – i.e. “saved company £2,000 as a result of efficiency savings” or “increased revenue by 30% on previous year” etc
• Make sure that if one or more of your roles on your CV was a temporary booking or a fixed term contract that you make it clear.  Reasons for leaving are also useful to put on each position.  This extra detail ensures clarity and might prevent a potential employer from questioning your long term commitment to their organisation if it looks like you have jumped around a number of permanent jobs
• Account for any breaks in your employment; future employers may wonder how you spent an unmentioned year
• There may be additional or summary information you wish to add, such as language skills, clean driving licence (if relevant) own car and so on.  If relevant then do list your IT/software skills.  Don’t just write "MS Office", list the packages you have experience of using – Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.  This will make it easier for the reader and will also ensure that your CV will come up in agency or job board searches if these specific packages are required
• You will need to have an acceptable salary range in mind before attending an interview but don't include details of present or desired earnings on the CV - you don't want to limit yourself
• Don't make things up or put anything false on the CV - however, you may like to consider leaving out negative factors which may be better discussed at interview!

As a general rule of thumb, don't include a photograph. Nor is there usually any need to include references with your CV unless requested - it simply creates more paperwork to read. Most employers take little notice of the "to whom it may concern" kind, preferring to send for references once a job offer has been made and accepted.  A simple ”Excellent references available upon request” will do.

If your CV is ready to send to us then you can submit it to us by moving to our CV submission page.  We'll look forward to hearing from you!