Tips for writing a CV

Use a clear structure

Put your name at the top, and a short description of yourself and your skills underneath. Then list your work history in date order, starting with the most recent.

List a couple of key successes or responsibilities under the most recent roles. Then close with your qualifications and details of your education. Make sure your phone number and email address are easy to find!

Keep it short

Two to three sides of A4 is the goal. The recruiter needs to be able to scan through the details quickly.

Avoid personal details

Don’t list your date of birth, marital status, religion etc. These should be irrelevant in appointing someone and can lead to bias. You also don’t have to put dates against your educational achievements, or list all of your earliest roles.

Avoid errors

Some employers will automatically bin your CV if there’s a spelling mistake on it. Get someone to proofread it for you.

Tailor it to the role

The most successful CVs will clearly state skills that are listed in the job description. Increasingly, recruiters use software to review CVs and keyword matching is a fundamental part of this.

Should you have more than one version of your CV?

Yes. Your skills may fit many roles, but your CV might not. Improve your chances by ensuring that each version is relevant for the role you are applying for. For example, if you are in marketing but have good graphic design experience,  you will need two CVs to apply for roles in each area.

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