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10 things to keep in mind when writing your CV
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15 January 2015
Don’t start your job search without giving due thought to your CV. A strong CV does wonders for your chances of making it to the prized interview stage—and will give you an immediate advantage over the competition. Here are 10 ways to make sure yours ends up in the “yes” pile:
1. Keep it brief – usually two pages maximum
Don't overdo it. Keep it short and succinct, but with all the important details.
2. Avoid unnecessary personal detail such as age, religion and sex
It is actually discriminatory for an employer to hire based on any of these factors, so don't include them.
3. Don’t write in the first person - start sentences with verbs
Avoid “I did this and that” examples. Instead use sentences starting with “Completed ...” or “Achieved...” etc.
4. List your career history in reverse chronological order
Don’t forget to include a short note to explain any gaps.
5. Use bullet points for achievements and responsibilities
Include more detail on recent roles and less on older, outdated ones - unless they are particularly relevant to the job you are applying for.
6. List educational institutions and qualifications in reverse chronological order
Reviewers will want to see more recent tertiary qualifications before secondary school results.
A strong CV does wonders for your chances of making it to prized interview stage—and can work wonders for your job search in general.
7. Include computer skills, language skills and any relevant training
You never know when these will come in handy.
8. Keep your hobbies and interest section short
This can help to flesh out your resume and give it a personal touch, but don't go overboard describing your interest in filmmaking if you’re applying for a role in accounting.
9. Referees can be provided on request
You don’t need to include their contact details on your CV, just indicate that they are available upon request.
10. Check for typos
Even if you think your CV is error free, it’s worth asking a friend or professional to read it through.
Need help cultivating a great CV that will get you noticed? Contact Page Personnel today and one of our expert staff will be glad to assist.
Summary:
A well structured, strong and yet brief CV can speak volumes to its reader. Some tips to achieve this include
- Keeping the length to a maximum of two pages
- Always list the most recent employment and educational information first
- Avoid going into too much detail about your personal interests
