Writing your CV has never been more important within today’s current job market and your CV is one of the most important documents you will ever create, as it may change your life.

Employers are receiving enormous amounts of speculative CV’s so when yours lands on the desk of a decision maker it will need to stand out. You want the reader of your CV to see something that interests them very quickly so the first page of your CV is vitally important. The content of the first page should make them interested and want to read more.

If the first page does not interest them you may well find they have moved on to the next CV. You have failed at the first hurdle!

Objective:

The only objective of your CV is to result in gaining you an interview. This is the first part of the sales process. You are marketing yourself through your CV. Think about it as being your sales brochure.

Remember your CV is not your autobiography; it must be simple, clear and concise. Your CV should also be adapted and targeted for the particular job you are applying for, focusing on the most relevant parts of your skill set or previous experience and achievements relative to the role you are applying for.

General Rules:

• Always use a quality white paper (No fancy gimmicks)
• Never use more than two fonts and make sure they are universal and readable
• Two sides of A4 should be sufficient, but definitely do not exceed 3
• Always ensure it is free from spelling and grammar errors, don’t just rely on spell check
• Your CV may need to be accompanied by a covering letter especially if you are willing to relocate as you should state why
• Make sure your career history dates link up as suspicious gaps are very off putting
• State your job title in each organisation
• Where you can summarise a period of time that does not add much value, do so
• Always include achievements, responsibilities and reason for leaving each role

Suggested Order:

• Name
• Personal details
• Key skills and competencies
• Career / Work history
• Associated qualifications and training
• Personal statement
• Education
• Hobbies and interests
• Referees

Example heading including name and personal details:

CURRICULUM VITAE

Name: Full Name                            

Address: Full address including county and postcode

Home Tel: 01234 567890

Mobile: 09876 543210

E-mail: name@emailaddress.co.uk

Examples of key skills and competencies:

Target Orientated

I take the time to understand exactly what targets and goals have to be achieved and within what timescale. I then plan out the actions that need to be taken to achieve those targets and a way of monitoring to ensure we are tracking to plan or if not what changes need to be made to ensure we get back on track. I share the targets and objectives with all involved and communicate with them regularly.

Problem Solving

I am quick to spot problems and deal with them in a logical manner trying to reach the root cause and then implement actions to address the current situation and ensure the same problem does not arise again by implementing training if necessary, amending processes, creating new processes and effective communication.

Example of career / work history:

Job Title: Aftersales Manager

Company: Ring Road Ford

From: September 2007 to September 2011

As Aftersales Manager I am responsible for the parts department and service department. Parts sales are in excess of £1m per annum with 4 employees and the service department generated in excess of £850K labour sales with 9 productive staff. This is an improvement in parts sales by 25% from when I started and an improvement in labour sales by 16%. Currently we are running at 6% over budget in both departments.

Reason for leaving: A new challenge and bigger role

You can download a free CV template HERE

Do’s and Don’ts

• Don’t use all capital letters within your CV details, use grammar correctly
• Don’t just bullet point your jobs, this is not a CV
• Don’t miss parts of your work history leaving blanks
• Don’t put your NI number and DOB on your CV
• Don’t claim to be something you’re not
• Don’t be untruthful

• Do follow this advice
• Do explain your achievements
• Do change and adapt your CV to emphasise the points relevant to the role you are applying for
• Do take the time to make your CV the best it can be
• Do make sure your CV is interesting and to the point

Professional CV Writing Service:

We offer a professional CV writing service which can be from some simple amendments to a complete CV. Dependent upon the amount of detail, work required and level of your skills and experience our fees range from £19.00 to £85.00 plus VAT. Please contact us to discuss this service in full and our fees.

In Summary:

This is probably the most important document you will create as it could change your life 

Adapt your CV for each position you apply for ensuring you make the most appropriate details visible

The main objective for your CV is to interest the employer enough to want to see you

Use the first page of your CV in a way to make the employer want to read more

Contact us if you require further assistance.