How to…Make Your CV Stand Out

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Writing a CV …

… can be daunting but with a little preparation and research, your CV will become the canvas you need to pinpoint your talents and achievement.

The CV is a recruiter’s first insight into you as a candidate. The aim is to highlight why you are suited to the role, how your skills reflect what they are looking for and offer a personal insight into your character.

Before you begin you should start creating a formal structure.

Your Profile Statement

The profile is your CV introduction that highlights your career aspirations, ambitions and achievements.

Draw attention to key skills you think the employer is looking for in approximately 80 words.

For example, if applying for a role where managing multiple workloads is expected, try something like “I thrive in fast-paced environments”.

Contact Information

The personal information needs to be up to date and accurate.

Ensure that your CV includes your name, address with postcode, telephone numbers and an email address.

If an employer likes your CV but cannot find a telephone number or email address, then your CV may be discarded.

Also make sure that this is your current telephone number!

Education

Your education and achievements should be listed in reverse chronological order as this is the easiest way for a recruiter to read.

If applicable, start with your professional qualifications, then move onto your further education ending with your higher education achievements.

Work Experience

The work experience part of your CV is the most important and is what the employer really cares about.

When highlighting your Work Experience start with current/most recent positions and highlight your activities and achievements with the greatest detail.

Then move back through your job history. Always make sure that your work experience responsibilities match what they are looking for.

INTERNS

Associations & Interests

A CV is meant to be personable. The aim is to offer a well-rounded view; the work side and the human side.

At the end of the day, you will be spending considerable time with your employer and their new teams and you must easily adapt to their culture.

Include any memberships/associations you are involved with followed by a concise range of interests. You should mention here whether you are keen to relocate if the role location does not match your address.

Remember…

… always check your CV through.

It may feel like you have been writing it for a long time but you must leave it and go back to review.

This ensures you’ve not made any glaring grammatical, spelling or content errors.

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