When it comes to applying for a new job, only a perfect CV
can assure your chance of interview that is first step to get any job.
Writing a perfect CV is not an easy task because the format
changes depending of type of position, location and your past career. Here are Top-10 tips for writing perfect curriculum vitae.
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CV Writing Tips |
1. Keep it Concise
Usually a CV should be no more than two A4 size pages. On
average, employers spend just 8 seconds looking at any one CV. Keep your CV, to the point, concise and save little
details for the interview.
2. Create a Custom CV
Don’t create and send a generic CV against different vacant posts
in different organizations. Take time to change your CV for each post that you
apply for. Research the company and use the job advert to work out EXACTLY what
skills you should point out to them.
3. Include a Cover Letter with Your CV
A covering letter should be included with every CV. Your
covering letter provides state why you are qualified for the job and explains
the reasons for your interest in the company. Add a short personal statement
why you are the best candidate for this job.
4. Don't Leave Gaps
Don’t leave gaps on your CV between your education and work experience
or gaps between jobs, it makes employers suspicious. If you did a course,
volunteer work or develop soft skills such as communication, teamwork or
project management during that period of time, write it there.
5. Keep Your CV Up-to-Date
Always keep your CV up-to-date. Whenever something significant
occurs in your career, write it so you don't later forget something that could
be important.
6. Use Correct Spelling
Employers do look for mistakes on CVs and if they find them,
it makes you look really bad. Check spelling and ask someone else to
double-check what you've written. There is no conventional grammar in a CV
(it's all bullets; phrases; headlines and captions) so turn the grammar checker
OFF.
7. Tell the Truth
Deliberate lies on your CV can land you in trouble when it
comes to employers checking your background and references. You also may get
caught out at the interview stage when you suddenly can't answer questions on
what you claim to know and that can be very awkward.
8. The Numbers
Back your achievements with numbers. When writing your work
history, don’t just say that you increased sales; tell them you increased sales
by 30% over a ten month period. Big numbers are especially good but don’t lie
about your previous achievements.
9. Make it Presentable
A good CV is clear, short and makes every point necessary
without waffling. You don't need pages and pages of paper - you just keep
things short and sweet. Also, employers receive dozens of CVs all the time so
it's unlikely they'll read each one cover to cover. Most will make a judgement about a CV within sections. We live in a world where image is everything, and
that also goes for your CV. Take some time to make eye catching and easily
understandable layout of your CV. Keep sentences short and use bullet points.
10. Include Relevant Keywords
If you want to uploaded your CV to a job website so recruiters can
find you, keywords are very important. Job titles and professional keywords will help search engines to pick out your CV from the pile.