NOT HAPPY WITH YOUR CV? MY TIPS FOR BUILDING AN EXCEPTIONAL CV!

“The simpler you say it, the more eloquent it is.” —August Wilson

Your CV is your most important marketing tool when it comes to job hunting or changing careers. As a career coach, I often come across clients who struggle to structure and build a coherent, concise CV. Through mentoring and training people on how to write an exceptional CV, I immediately see a boost in confidence with my clients, from graduates to established professionals looking for a new job.

Here are my easy tips:

GENERAL:

Find a CLEAN TEMPLATE and EASY TO READ FONT to use.

Never waffle – be CONCISE AND DESCRIPTIVE.

Always check SPELLING AND GRAMMAR  - ask a friend to check it for you before sending it out.

TAILOR YOUR CV to be specific to each role you apply for – highlighting relevant skills.

DON’T write in the first person – you are not writing a story.

BEGINNING:

Write a SHORT ELEVATOR PITCH (2/3 sentences max) that sums up why you are a great candidate and your key skills.

OR extract a couple of sentences from an IMPRESSIVE REFERENCE to use.

MIDDLE:

Make sure you include key responsibilities and achievements for each role.

Back up your key achievements with FACTS and FIGURES.

END:

This is where your EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS should sit.

By learning to write a strong CV, you will give yourself confidence and an advantage over other people when applying for new job.