Looking for CV writing tips and advice?

Your CV is often the first and only chance you have to sell yourself to a prospective employer. Check out our favourite CV tips to help you ensure a positive result.

1) Tailor your CV towards the position for which you are applying.

Don’t write in detail about your Saturday job as a pot washer if you’re applying for a position as an Automotive Sales Manager. Be relevant and include details which will ensure that the employer is aware of your skills and suitability.

2) Include your contact details

You have a fantastic CV and are the ideal candidate, however the employer can’t get hold of you.  This is a common error, ensure all of your contact details are current and on your CV.

3) Clear layout

Is your CV easy to read?  Don’t include gimmicky colours or texts unless you are applying for a role that requires this, i.e., a Graphic Designer.  When an employer is reviewing hundreds of CV’s they won’t want to read a CV that’s hard on the eyes, i.e., has a bright pink background and italics!  Send your CV in Word or PDF and chose a regular font, this makes it easy for your prospective employer to open and read your CV.

4) Use reverse chronological order

Your current or most recent job is usually your most relevant experience, so show that first at the top of your work experience section. That pot washing job you did on a Saturday whilst at 6th form isn’t the experience you need the prospective employer to see first.

5)  Don’t rely on spell checkers!

They don’t always pick up words which have dual meanings.   “ideal for the roll” or “National Sales Manger”. Technically “manger” is a correct word but probably not what you intended to say!

• Ensure you proof read your CV and ask a reliable friend to proof read it too.
• Double check your grammar and spelling.

A company looking for “attention to detail” won’t be forgiving of sloppiness and mistakes, You CV will likely get ditched.

6) Be careful of humour and familiarity

Telling your new employer that you have a dog called Tiddles and that you prefer Tiddles to your wife is not likely to impress.

7) Include relevant examples of previous successes

Let the employer know that you have been the top salesperson for your national sales team for the past 4 years. Boast about your achievements and make them as pertinent to the role you’ve applied for as you can.

8) Be honest

This shouldn’t need saying however lying about qualifications, reasons for leaving and the number of positions you have is certainly not recommended. our simple rule of thumb for this is “DON’T DO IT”.

The above is a snapshot of our knowledge on CV writing. For more detailed information on writing a CV view our website at www.glencallum.co.uk . For more information on job searching, contact one of our consultants at Glen Callum Associates Ltd. Glen Callum Associates Ltd are the leading Automotive and Industrial Recruitment Specialists.