CV Writing
Have you ever thought about how to write a perfect CV? Thankfully, at BMC Recruitment Group, we have you covered. Learn more today.
Top Tips
Sell yourself
Think of this as a ‘party election broadcast’ for you. What do you stand for? Use your CV as a brilliant marketing tool portraying you, outlining your skills, qualifications, and previous work experience to employers, making you relevant, sought-after and somebody people can see themselves working with.
Be clear and concise
Make sure your CV is easy to read as the chances are you are one of multiple applicants.
Simplify your layout
Make sure that you format your CV so it looks neat and tidy.
Your prospective employer has only a limited time to scan through your CV. Remember to use a clean, professional font, such as Calibri and stick with it throughout.
Don’t showcase the things that are irrelevant
Yes, you partied hard at University and your favourite colour is orange, but, this will not help your new boss to appreciate your applicable skills.
Proof-read your CV
Check your spelling; do not mistake “due diligence” for “dew diligence” and avoid mistaking last years’ “profit” for “prophet”. Grammar is so important too. Try not to be colloquial and avoid short forms such as “don’t”, “I’m” and so on. Remember, seeing your CV scattered with red pen can be daunting but if you ask another professional person to review your CV, this help can be invaluable. If it helps, one of our dedicated consultants will be at hand to assist you.
Keep it Snappy
If you restrict your CV to two pages, including neatly delineated headings, it is more likely to be viewed in full.
Areas to include
Profile
This is a short paragraph tailoring your key strengths and ‘matching-up’ your skills, ultimately pairing you with the job you are applying for. Some people prefer to produce a separate covering letter including this information.
Education and Qualifications
Starting with the most recent establishment, subject and grade, list those back as far as GCSE (or equivalent).
Employment History
Again, list the most current first. For every position held, include the company name and address, the dates that you were employed, your current or former job title, and a brief description of the main duties undertaken. Identify succinctly the experiences, successes, achievements and qualities that you gained.
Achievements and Awards
Scholarships, prizes, sporting awards or otherwise should be placed in this glitzy section.
Hobbies and Interests
You may be an aspiring Bear Grylls or a stamp-collector. This section should be a more personal reflection of you and your recreational activities. However, be mindful of the job you are applying for and consider whether your array of hobbies are relevant for the role. You may wish to include charity work, community-based volunteering or any other extra-curricular activities showing those reading your cv that you are motivated, multi-faceted and most of all, human.
References
These are the people who can vouch for you. This section can either simply state “available upon request”, or, you may include your referees’ names (usually two are included and at least one from your most recent place of employment) and their contact details, making them easily reachable.
The latter option promotes transparency, and, providing details in advance can save time for the employer when it comes to selecting you for the job. Perhaps include your referee-details within the footer to save space! Please check with your referees first before featuring them in your CV if only to make sure they are entirely delighted to speak about your brilliance.
Be truthful!
Remember the employer can go and check your background and references!
Include a covering letter
If you are not integrating your personal statement in your CV as discussed at point b) your covering letter should outline why you are the person for the job.
You may be required (or prefer) to produce a covering letter as well as an integrated personal statement; just remember to keep it relevant, you must show that you match-up to the job. Put yourself in the shoes of the employer, think about what the job entails, and demonstrate you have the requisite skills-set and values.
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