Hot Prospects

How do I produce an effective CV?

You should constantly be updating your CV, every time you complete a course or gain a new role you should make this evident. It is important to keep your CV fresh and exciting, remembering to remove things which may be out dated. As excellent as you were as Joseph in the school nativity when you were five, it's unlikely that your staring role is going to sway that MD looking for his next grad super star.

If you have a job description, make sure you review it carefully and ensure your CV reflects the key skills and attributes stated. It's also a good idea to use some of the buzzwords the prospective employer uses, to show you think the same way they do.

Where do I start? Personal Details...

Title: Write your name, NEVER 'CV' or 'Curriculum Vitae'. Employers know what it is; you want them to remember your name!

Address: Make sure it is an address you can be easily contacted at, if needed use both your home and term time address.

Telephone: Always use current telephone numbers. If giving a mobile number, make sure voicemail is in use and the message is professional!

Email: Again make sure that this is up to date and professional; try and include your name in the address. Comical email addresses suggest you're not taking this very seriously

Personal Statement...

A great opportunity to sell yourself! Keep it short and sweet, list a couple of your strengths and your career aspirations. It is often a good idea to tailor this to the job that you are applying for. Be original; avoid statements such as 'hard worker' and 'good communicator'.

Education...

Begin with your most recent education going back to your secondary school education. List the A Levels and GCSEs you achieved. Try to include the name of your institution, dates and your grades, if not it might look like you're trying to hide something!

Then move on to your university education. This is a good chance to sell your degree and put a few points regarding relevant modules you completed and the predicted/attained grades you achieved. It is also a good chance to discuss your dissertation, but keep it brief, you'll have plenty of time to expand on this in the interview!

Experience...

All work experience counts; paid, voluntary, or internships. When discussing your roles try and focus on your key responsibilities and achievements in the role and how you developed your skills. It is important to give job titles and dates and addresses. Don't go into flipping burgers or service with a smile. Instead try to think of what skills you have learned and how they might apply to your desired role.

Referees...

Most employers like to check previous referees, however this is not a necessity on your CV. Always check permission before using references. It is recommended to provide an academic and professional reference.

Layout...

This can be just as important as content! If your CV isn't clear potential employers will not want to look at it! Use engaging headings, e.g. 'Relevant skills and Experience'. Avoid large chunks of text, clear concise bullet points are best. Make sure you use the same font throughout and check for typos and spellings.

What Next?

Now that you've identified how to write a good CV it's a good idea to consider the next stage. Be sure to follow up after submitting your CV.

If after reading all this you still need more help, give one of our recruitment angels a call, and get them to have a look at what you've created. We see these things day in day out, so we know what works and what doesn't. Most importantly be positive! Keep thinking and believing that you will get that dream job, as your attitude will affect how you come across and ultimately your success.