Your CV is your personal brochure. It gives you a chance to show off all the attributes that make you the perfect choice for employers! Here are some tips to help your CV stand out…
Tailor your CV to your audience
- Employers spend only a few seconds looking at each CV they receive to make sure you have included what they are looking for. Check the job description and include those important key words
- Keep a generic copy of your CV and tweak it for each different job application – it will show an employer that you are interested in them
Show what makes you unique
- Include a personal statement – this is a short paragraph to explain why you are the best person for the job. It could be the first thing the employer reads so include what you believe you can offer and your key skills which match with the job description
- Provide examples of how you best meet the vacancy criteria from the skills you already have
- Don’t be afraid to explain how you think you would help enhance the team
Keep it error free
- It’s easy to make mistakes on your CV but difficult to repair the damage once an employer gets it! Always check for spellings and grammar
mistakes before you press submit on your application! Proof read it like a pro and ask someone else to check it and ask for advice on how to improve your CV - Ensure your contact details are correct and up to date
- You don’t need to include our date of birth, marital status etc.
- Don’t forget to save your file!
Tell the truth
- Always tell the truth about your skills and experience. If you don’t, you will be caught out at some point!
- Use the opportunity to see what gaps there are and what you could be doing to evidence the skills that the employer is looking for.
- Use spell check and visually check as employers will notice mistakes
- Include all your extra-curricular activities to show the employer
Keep it concise
- If your CV is too long, the potential employer will more than likely switch off. Most employers simply skim read a CV for the relevant information they need.
Visit the Career Zone for more information here.
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