---

How to write the perfect CV

In today’s current economic climate it is essential you do everything possible to get the job you require. The first step is creating your CV. This is done by writing down your experience and skills on no more than 2 pages. Sounds difficult, yes? Well, it doesn’t have to be. By following these simple steps you are giving yourself the best opportunity to achieve this.

Step 1

You need to make sure your CV has the correct layout. This tends to be the most stressful part for people as they don’t know what order to put the sections in and start to panic. This is where mistakes can happen. CV Satisfaction would strongly recommend the following layout.

• Personal Details – Name, Address, Telephone Number, Mobile Number, Email Address. (If going for an international job remember to put your country dialling code before i.e. +44 if you are a UK resident)
• Personal Statement – Includes what your ambitions are, what your skills are, what would your ideal job be (remember every time you apply for a job you should edit your CV to cater for that job)
• Education Information – What school/college/University you went to, what you studied and what grades you have achieved. (There is no need to put your G.C.S.E grades down, just the courses you studied as most employers won’t be interested in these now and you need to keep the employers attention throughout)
• Employment – List the employment you feel is the most relevant. When writing about your employment state what skills you got out of the job. (Try and use examples if possible)
• Achievements and skills- This is your chance to put anything down that you feel is relevant. This can range from being a trainer at a conference to a first aid qualification. (You should do this in bullet points to create an eye-catching section)
• References – You should always have two references. You can list them on your CV or put available on request. Available on request means that the employers can contact you for the information and this also gives you an indication that they may be interested in you.

All sections should have headed titles to make the CV flow and give it a structure. It is a well known fact that you have 10 seconds to make an impression against all the other applicants. By having a well written and structured CV you are achieving this and giving yourself the best opportunity possible.

Step 2

Constantly update your CV. It essential that once you have your CV written you update it whenever it’s necessary regardless of you applying for a job or not as you don’t know when a job opportunity may become available. By updating it as soon as it happens it is fresh in your head and allows you to give the best possible explanation of what the job, event or skill entailed. Another reason behind this is that you are saving time. You don’t want to be rushing your CV at anytime especially hours before a deadline. Would you rather be the 1st CV to reach the employer or the 100th? By sending it in as soon as you see a job advertisement you are giving an immediate impression of your intentions to get the job. Your CV reflects your skills, capabilities and career accomplishments. As you develop, your CV should evolve, too. Like many things, if you make a point of updating your CV frequently, it will prove to be much easier on you in the long run. So be prepared and confident with your CV.

Step 3

Be truthful. Everything you write on your CV must be true. There are no excuses for it not to be. You should be confident in your past achievements and your future plans. You need to word the CV in a way that enhances your abilities and skills. If you aren’t truthful about what your previous job roles entailed this will come back to haunt you as the potential employer will request a reference from your previous employer. The CV is a marketing tool of yourself so if you are putting untruthful statements on there you are marketing yourself as a liar. You get no second chance with the majority of employers, so be truthful first time around and make a lasting impression with the past you can be proud of.

Step 4

What to avoid when writing your CV. You have one chance at making a good first impression so to help achieve that we have devised a list of things of dos and don’ts:

• Use an easy to read font such as Arial or Tahoma as you don’t want the reader to find it difficult to read
• Don’t include a photograph as it gives the impression that you want to be judged on your looks rather than your skills and abilities.
• Colour should be restricted. We recommend using black only, but if you feel the need to use another colour, use either blue or red.
• When using bullet points to list your achievements and skills don’t try and make it fancy by using arrows or stars. Employers prefer the nice and simple look.
• Use a professional looking email address. If you don’t have one then create one. Employers will be unimpressed by email address such as scrupes@hotmail.com.
• Make sure the CV is no-more than 2 pages. Employers don’t have time to read 3 or 4 pages and will disregard your CV straight away if it goes over the 2 pages.
• Only include essential information. Employers don’t want to know irrelevant information and remember you only have 2 pages to get this information down.

Your CV is the most important document you will ever write as it is the only document that could potentially shape your future positively. This is why it is essential you write this properly and have the correct layout.