The Essentials of a Good CV
1. Keep it simple:
It's vital not to compromise readability. The most impactful CVs are those where the content takes center stage, utilising a clean, white background and fonts that are easy to read. Adding colour can be a nice touch if done well, but don't sacrifice vital space for the words that do the selling. And two pages is usually enough.
2. Make sure your contactable:
Include your full name, contact information, and any relevant online profiles such as LinkedIn or a professional portfolio at the top of your CV for easy reference.
3. Highlight who you are:
Think 'Elevator Pitch'. A concise snapshot of your qualifications, skills, and career trajectory. It's crucial that this section effectively communicates your unique selling points, laying a strong foundation for the rest of your CV.
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4. Sell yourself:
The heart of your CV. Detail your past roles in reverse chronological order, featuring the job title, company name, location, dates of employment, and a comprehensive account of responsibilities and achievements.
- Bullet points win every time; they're sharp and snappy and make for a better CV reading experience.
Top tip: Instead of using a separate skills section, weave your skills and software within the descriptions of your roles. For example, if you've mastered the Adobe Creative Suite, don't just state "Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite." Instead, express, "Conceptualised and designed marketing materials utilising Adobe Creative Suite, leading to a boost in brand recognition." This approach exhibits your skills in action and their direct impact on your role.
Also, remember to quantify (£, %, 123) your accomplishments, businesses usually hire for continued success, play in to their numbered nature. And employers like leaders, so initiate each point with powerful action verbs such as 'led,' 'managed,' 'developed,' or 'designed', etc. And avoid the 'We's' and use the 'I's'.
5. How far back should you go:
The focus should be on relevance. If your career stretches 10, 20, or 30 years and it's all relevant, keep it, but look to reduce your earliest roles to job title, company, and dates. If they're not relevant and very far back, leave it out.
6. Any gaps in career:
Address them. There's always a reason, so it's best to get ahead of them. If you were struggling to find a new role, show that you kept professionally busy or studied something. If you took a break, had a family, or were ill, add a line about it; we're all people at the end of the day.
7. Education and Qualifications:
Only show the relevant ones, and display them in reverse chronological order, including the names of the institutions, dates of study, and any notable grades or achievements. If you have space, write about your studies.
8. Be open to references:
While it's not obligatory to list your references directly on your CV, indicating that they are available on request assures potential employers that credible sources can attest to your professional abilities and work ethic.
9. Choosing a file type:
'Docs' or 'PDFs' are universally accepted and the most common formats. 'Docs' is often preferred for compatibility with applicant tracking systems, while 'PDFs' maintain your formatting across various platforms. Either works fine.
Final message
Remember to proofread your CV meticulously before sending it off. Any errors could convey a lack of attention to detail, which might detract from your professional image. This includes the Americanisms after a quick use of ChatGPT.
Want a head start? Download our simple yet effective CV template to kickstart your journey. Remember, a well-crafted CV opens the door and leaves a positive first impression. Happy CV creating!