Top tips on how to make a perfect CV

Writing a new CV can be daunting but with a few tips it can be fair easy. Here are our top tips on how to make a perfect CV:

Identity – It is important the correct personal details are on your CV. These must include full name, address and contact number. There is no need to add your date of birth or marital status. See here for CV examples and templates for you to distinguish.

Attributes of what your main skills should be added as summary, at the top after your personal details. This way an employer can see at quick glance your key skills and attributes.

Skills identifying is very important too. A CV ought to demonstrate all your skills. Ideally, you will be able to link your key skills to workplace experience. Everyone has transferable skills which you may already possess ie: reading or writing, computer, commercial and management skills.

Job History starting with your most recent job, clearly identifying the dates of employment, position and the sector you were employed.

Gaps, there are many reasons why your CV may have gaps and recruiters don’t look down on candidates with them. They are suspicious however, when these gaps are not clarified, so make sure they are explained in a positive manner. ie career break, travelling, looking for right opportunity etc.

Abbreviations be very careful of using abbreviations, especially if you’re changing industry. The first person who evaluates your CV is usually somebody in the HR team who may not be an expert in your field.

Qualifications should be added starting from the most recent first. Don’t list all subjects and grades, but instead keep it to the qualifications you achieved i.e. BA in English grade 2.1; Achieved 3 levels grade A-C; 8 GCSE’s unless of course the job requires you to stipulate a subjects and grades achieved.

Stand out. Your CV should demonstrate your unique blend of skills and experience. Make sure you include examples of commercial success, problem resolution or management achievements. This will ensure a perfect CV.

Keep it simple. Your choice of font and layout are key to making sure a would-be employer carries on reading your CV. Simple formats work best.

Don‘t be generic. Work out who or which industry sector your CV is destined for and tailor it to highlight the right aspects of your experience for them.

Check and check again. For your CV to be perfect you will need to avoid errors at all costs. This means spelling mistakes, dates which conflict with one another and incorrect email address and phone number.

Finally, a major top tip would be to keep your CV updated regularly. Sending off incomplete or out of date CV’s is “strike off” immediately from any employer.