CV Writing Tips

Employers and recruiters scan through CVs, making quick decisions about the content of the CV against the essential skills of the job.

Recruiters and HR staff are scanning CVs, looking for the best fit for the client’s essential requirements; the top five will make the longlist, and the best three will make the final shortlist sent to our clients.

To make it onto our shortlist, you will need to:

• Write a personal statement and make it relevant to your achievements and not what you wish or hope to achieve!
• Write in short paragraphs, in two or three sentences
• Use bullets to highlight skills and achievements
• Use sub-headers to break up long blocks of text
• Use a plain font in a size that’s easy to read
• Use “bold letters” to highlight something important (avoid using lots of graphics)
• Use simple formatting to ensure the CV arrives as intended
• Ensure the dates are chronological
• Add a short note to explain any gaps
• Ensure the contact details are correct and in date
• Use positive language, show how ambitious you are, and make sure it’s grammatically correct
• Use your CV as the opportunity to promote the skills and experience relevant to the job

Finally, this is your story, and you’re the best person to showcase yourself; Use language that makes your point straightforward, current and accurate.

Do an online audit of yourself –to ensure everything looks as professional and relevant as possible