HOW TO WRITE A CV
2M Careers are a Construction Recruitment Agency who specialise in technical recruitment. However the same principles when writing a CV apply to most employment sectors. Here is a guide on how to write a CV which we hope you will find useful and informative.
We understand that few people actually like writing about themselves, let alone when putting a CV together. Remember that employers receive several CV's on a daily basis so your CV needs to stand out from the rest of them. In addition they are usually very busy and do not have time to read everything through so they will scan the pages. This is why you need to make it easy to read. They initially search for keywords that are applicable to the job in question. They will discard CV's that they have trouble reading as they do not have the time and they will judge you on the presentation of your CV, rightly or wrongly.
So to get your CV read you need to make it look good but most importantly keep it simple and easy to read as well as being interesting.
We have prepared some information which you should find useful for putting together your own CV. There are a number of do's and don'ts when writing a CV, and you must be aware that the way the CV is presented can be as important as the information it contains.
PRESENTATION
Bear in mind that they will make their first decision on your application by only scan reading your CV. In order to get your CV read you must have excellent presentation:
- Use good quality white paper and a simple font. Do not make it overly fancy.
- Keep it plain and simple looking
- A CV should only be about 2 pages long. Bullet points are good for CV's as they highlight your skills and experience
A good CV can attract the employer to read the CV as soon as they receive it. It will also guide the recruiter to all the relevant parts of your career, they will feel good about you and hopefully wish to interview you.
Remember a poorly presented CV could prevent you from even getting to the next stage of the recruitment process. You will have given a negative impression of yourself, or made no impression at all!
CONTENT
Similar to above you need to keep the employer interested in your CV so do not fill it with unnecessary detail. Concentrate on recent history and summarise older information. Employers need to understand your history but are primarily interested in what you have been doing recently. By following the guidelines below you will be keeping your CV simple but interesting.
- Your contact details need to be on the front page at the top including your name and a phone number to contact you on
- Bullet point your CV
- Write a short profile about yourself summarising your skills
- Write your career history by putting your education and work experience in reverse order so that they are reading the most recent first. Include information on what your company is like and all your duties and responsibilities.
- Include computer packages
- Ensure that you are not writing an essay and that you are keeping it easy and interesting to read
- Ensure you account for all your time - every year and any time taken off
- Note your interests but keep them to a minimum including other personal details
- Include all languages and your date of birth
- References - state available on request to ensure your references are not constantly contacted
FINALLY
- Double check your CV thoroughly and get someone else to read and spell check it too.
- Send your CV in a matching A4 envelope and send it 1st class.
- If you are still unsure then take it to a company who specialising in putting together professional CVs.
All of the above will attract the employer to read the CV as well as instantly giving the recruiter a good feeling about you.
CAREERS ADVICE GUIDES
If you have any queries please contact us on 0131 555 4001 or on info@2mcareers.com
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