How to Write the Perfect CV
How to Write the Perfect CV
Your CV is metaphorically your golden ticket to the chocolate factory of opportunities, but the process behind achieving this is much less random than tearing through the wrappers of every Wonka bar you see.
There is no right or wrong way to write a CV, and the perfect process behind them differs from source to source. However, the core structure remains the same throughout, and once you become a master of these principles, CV writing Is easy!
Curriculum Vitae is a Latin phrase, which loosely translates as ‘(the) course of (my) life’, however, your CV is not the time or place for you to start writing your autobiography. Think of it more as a sales brochure, with handpicked skills and talents that are strictly tailored to the job role you are applying for.
No More Than 2 Pages
You will have a great deal of time to go through your extensive job history and/or skills in your interview. The key at this stage is to demonstrate your potential and reassure your potential employer that you tick the right boxes for the role. Usually the person who reads CV’s has a huge pile to go through and will rarely read each ‘novel’ cover to cover, so keep it short, sweet and relevant.
Presentation is Important
First impressions count and many people think this impression begins when you walk through the door at your first interview. However, they are wrong! Your first impression has already been made to your future employer – through your CV.
It should be clean, well-organised and show-off the care and effort you have put into crafting it.
The recruiter’s eye naturally falls to the upper middle area of the page – this is your hotspot – make sure all your key information is presented here for the best initial impression.
Remember the Role
It is very easy to knock up a generic CV – one that fits the brief all-round and demonstrates your key employment history and skills. Take it from us, this doesn’t work. Your CV should be specifically curated for each role you apply for, once you’ve established what the job entails.
You don’t have to re-write the entire document every time, but it should be adapted in its details to make it relevant.
Tell a story
Now, while we mentioned earlier that you shouldn’t be sitting down to write your memoirs, you CV should have a beginning, middle and end.
Start with your basic information, your achievements, why you fit the role and how you’ve recently developed professionally.
Follow this by backing up your skills (relevant to the job in question) and your career history and personal interests, again linking each one back to the role you’re applying for.
To Cover Letter or Not To Cover Letter, That is the Question
When it comes to whether or not to include a cover letter, author of ‘You’re Hired! How to Write a Brilliant CV.’ Corrine Mills says, “Always do a covering letter or email – it’s another opportunity to convey your enthusiasm and suitability for the job. Include four to five bullet points providing evidence of relevant skills and achievements and tell employers why you are keen to work for their organisation”.
Your CV really is your passport to your future career. It might seem daunting or boring, but it’s vital to your future success and a few hours spent perfecting it could just land you your next dream role.
If you are looking for your next role, or are a current candidate of 19 London’s and would like some CV advice, please contact us today.
