CV Advice

Essential tips for writing that interview-winning CV

Writing a good CV is a crucial element of securing a new job. In a typical selection process your CV will be the first thing the employer sees and they may only skim through the document, possibly giving you less than a minute to make the right first impression. Therefore it is essential that your CV reads well, looks professional and brings across all your unique qualities. The information below will give you some vital tips in how to secure that interview:

Gather all the relevant information

A good way to start is to gather all the information you will need to include on your CV such as: personal details, up to date contact details, chronological list of qualifications, details of your previous roles and notable achievements in your previous roles. This information will provide you with a structure to base your CV around.

Write your CV

Once you have all the required information, you can begin writing your eye-catching CV. The key aspect is to sell yourself and your achievements to date. This is often the most difficult aspect of writing your CV so be prepared to re-draft at least 5 or 6 times. Below are some tips on writing your CV:

  • Try to keep your CV to a maximum of 3 pages in length – any longer and the reader may not have time to get through it all.
  • Aim to provide small, digestible pieces of information to ensure that your CV gets read.
  • Ensure that your CV is well structured and neatly laid out – any CV which has too much or too little information is unlikely to be read.
  • Tailor your CV to the position you are looking for.
  • Make sure that everything you include is truthful and can be verified as job interviews are often based on what’s included on your CV.
  • Write in a professional and concise style.
  • Don’t leave any unexplained gaps – if you have travelled or been between jobs then state this to avoid any confusion.
  • Work in reverse chronological order, stating your most recent role first.
  • The first page should contain personal details and contact details followed by a brief summary of educational credentials and qualifications. An overview statement should be included covering your strengths in the relevant area, skills and experience, and the type of position sought.
  • Any voluntary/charity work or external posts you hold are worth including. Always include any languages, courses or training you may have done, or any professional memberships.
  • Create an impact with appropriate ‘action words’, e.g. successfully achieved, energetically lead etc. 

Proofread before sending

Before you send your personal sales tool to potential employers it is essential that you check for spelling mistakes and grammatical errors – if these are spotted by a hiring manager then it is unlikely you will be invited for an interview. One tip is to print out your CV, as you will proofread better from a printed page than you will a computer screen. It may also be worth getting a friend or fellow professional in your field to give you their opinion on your final document.

Send your CV

After writing an impressive CV, the next thing to do is send it to the employer along with a professional covering letter/email. Use the covering letter as an opportunity to sell yourself to the employer by emphasising why you are a suitable candidate worth interviewing. Begin by introducing yourself and stating the job which you are applying for. Then state why you want the job and your understanding of the role. It is also beneficial to mention why you want to work for the company and in that particular sector, as this shows you have researched the role and that you are genuinely interested. You can also draw on your CV to say why you are right for the role and the organisation you are applying to. The covering letter can also be used to explain away any gaps or weaknesses in your CV. Finally, you should let the employer know your interview/work availability and give your contact details.