CV advice

A few simple improvements to your CV can make all the difference. Check your CV for these common mistakes and use the guidelines to improve your CV.

Include a profile or objectives section at the start of your CV

It makes it easier for the recruiter to scan your CV if you include a summary of your goals, skills, qualifications and experience at the start of your document. This should be focused on the job that you are targeting.

Use bullets rather than paragraphs

From our experience, employers want to be able to extract the main information within 30 seconds so it is vital you make it easy to read whilst covering the points Paragraphs are great in your profile section, but should not be used throughout your CV.

Focus on what is important

Only list dates that are relevant. You don't need to state the dates for short courses, club membership or hobbies. Emphasize the abilities that you want to use at your next employer. Don't write essays on mundane tasks and skills.

CV length

Whilst a shorter CV is preferred do not cram the information to fit on one or two pages. Use white space to make your CV more readable and if you need more room to list your relevant  experience and qualifications then use an extra page.

Use achievement driven words over responsibilities

Instead of listing your work responsibilities you should focus on how your contributions made a difference to the company and your team. Show how you have done more than what is expected and have performed better than your colleagues.

Never use a CV three to six months old. Always update your CV for every job application.