NVQ SECTOR RECRUITMENT

Advice

CV Writing

Is your CV failing at the first hurdle? Are you thinking about preparing a CV or revamping your current version? If so, you may benefit from some of the tips and suggestions that we've outlined below.

Design and Layout

Keep it simple! Unusual fonts, excessive use of graphics, boxes, shading or artwork detract from its' content.
Use bullet points. These are easier on the eye and encourage the "speed reader". Comparatively, large paragraphs are often ignored.
Keep sentences brief. They have more impact and avoid the possibility of rambling narrative.
Keep it short and to the point - a two page CV should be sufficient. Remember CVs are only meant to be an introduction to you and not a detailed chronological log of your life and works to date!

Content

A well written CV will typically cover your:

introductory profile;
key skills and achievements, (including IT literacy with software experience named);
career history;
education, professional qualifications and training;
personal details and interests, (including language skills and degree of fluency.)

The actual order the above appear in your CV is a matter of personal choice. However, for each job application you make it is worth putting the most relevant section of your application towards the start of your CV. This may be for example your skills section if this reflects those asked for, or alternatively your career history showing your industrial/sector experience if relevant to the position in question.

Alternatively, particular relevance can be highlighted in your covering letter where you may also wish to note details of your current salary and benefits package.

Writing Style

Be specific at all times. That is, use numbers to reflect level of responsibilities (eg number of staff supervised, number of employees to whom you offer an HR service to) or achievements (eg % decrease in costs brought about by the introduction of a new procedure).

Give evidence of your involvement (eg led team, member of team, plans initiated from scratch or developed with others) and state the benefits of the outcomes to the company (eg worked within budget, met deadline etc.).

Essentially you must quantify the scope of the specific issues, your input and the results you achieved. By doing so you will be selling yourself and not just stating your responsibilities.

Above all else be honest! Ensure dates of employment and your stated qualifications are correct and that your CV is an accurate reflection of your skills and abilities.

If you would like some feedback on your newly created CV simply email it to us at cvs@humanresourcing.co.uk and call us on (01792) 477111 for a confidential discussion.