CVs & Resumes

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8 Tips for writing an effective CV

Keep an achievements journal

It is all too easy to forget some of our key achievements, especially when being with an employer for an extended period. This is why it is important to jot down in a document every time you achieve something worth remembering. Just take a few minutes to jot down the key challenges and how you overcame those challenges. This helps when you come to move on and need to update your CV.

Don't make it too long

Some roles may have over 300 people applying for them. Long CVs will not get read. Try and reduce your page count where possible. Add a personal summary, this should be just two sentences encapsulating you.

Don't waffle

Use bulletpoints and make short sharp points. Question every sentence and ask what its purpose is on CV. Does it add value and make you more appealing?

List languages and computing skills

Languages and computing skills are some of the most highly regarded additional skills. If you are reducing your CV word count and need to trim down your skills section then these two qualities represent the ones to keep.

Include a personal summary to start

A personal summary is a great way to give the reader a snapshot of your qualification, experience, personality and currently professional status but should only be around 100 words long.

Don't forget to update contact details

If you haven't moved job for a while then make sure all your contact details are correct on your CV. People can change email addresses, telephone numbers and home addresses several times so avoid undelivered messages by checking these are up to date.

Spell check

Try and avoid some embarrassing typos by asking a friend or colleague to proof read your CV.

Always be positive

Try and identify the positive skills and experience that you learnt in your professional roles and responsibilities. Talk positively about your employers and the work you did.