Preparing your CV can be a very time consuming exercise but given its your biggest marketing tool when applying for new roles I suggest you make the time to get it right and I’ve got a few tips for you to make sure it is!
Firstly, don’t rush it!
Make sure you are 100% happy with the end result before you start sending it out you often only get once chance to make a great first impression.
Studies show that hiring managers spend an average of just 7.6 seconds on each job application and with the increasing demand for employment, it is imperative that you spend the time making sure your CV is up to date and relevant.
Make sure your contact details are clearly at the top so the employer or recruiter can reach you with ease, I see SO many without contact details that are clear and concise and some even missing phone numbers!
Put everything in chronological date order with employment dates against each role.
Importantly, don't leave any jobs off, put false information or over-fluff your job titles, you can be assured you’ll be found out when the employer or recruiter calls for references checks or when they simply google your name.
Lastly, less is more! The point of a CV is to get you an interview, so keep it concise, 3 pages max, and focus on the relevant and important stuff to the job you're applying for – once you get the interview it’s time to really sell yourself!We know its competitive job market at the moment, so here is a free CV template to help you leave a good first impression