How to Write the Perfect CV

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Your CV will have no more than 20–40 seconds to attract the attention of a Recruiter or Hiring Manager, so it must have an immediate impact and grab the interest of the reader.

This is your one and only chance to knock the socks off a potential employer, so make sure your CV is visual, concise and honest.

Our CV Top Tips

  • The ideal CV should be no more than 3 pages long.
  • List your job history in reverse order with current job first.
  • The emphasis should be on your last 3 years’ experience.
  • Be specific with your achievements. For example, don’t say you improved the volume of data exceptions, say you reduced the volume of data exceptions by 50%.
  • Double check for spelling and punctuation mistakes.
  • Keep it simple and easy to read – columns, graphics and boxes are distracting.
  • Don’t write about yourself either in the first or third person (“I” ‘he’ or ‘she’).
  • Don’t include a photo (unless it’s asked for).
  • Don’t exaggerate your qualifications – most employers will check.
  • Don’t include anything controversial– it might make you stand out, but not in a good way.
  • Tailor your CV to each job you apply for – use key words from the job description.
  • Don’t send it from a wacky email address.

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