TOP 10 CV TIPS - How to prepare for your ideal job
Writing a CV is not the easiest task to perform. Make sure your CV matches the job and presents your skills clearly with experience sections, so recruiters don't reject it right away. What else do you need to pay attention to for that job you're applying for?
Here are Top Tips to help you create an effective CV.
1. Create a master CV
Most would agree that each CV needs to be tailored to each job application. However, this can take time and effort. Furthermore, you may lose information in the process as you add and remove points to suit each application. That’s why it’s sensible to create a master CV as a first step.
This is essentially a comprehensive document that lists your entire work history, education and skills. From this CV, you can select relevant elements to create a tailored CV.
Make sure to update your CV whenever you have a new qualification, promotion, or any significant event in your career. Doing so is important, even if you are not currently looking for a job. By keeping your master CV up to date, you won’t have to remember what you did when especially when you are busy applying for a new job.
2. Tailor your CV as closely as possible to the position
It may be tempting to send the same generic CV for each job application, but that approach probably won’t land you any interviews. Potential employers want to know if you understand the job requirements and have considered how your skills and experience are relevant.
Take the time to read the job description carefully. Look for important skills, qualifications, and personal traits. It's worth it.
Also, look up the company’s website to get a good idea of the person they’re looking for.
You can then show how your skills and experience match the requirements of the position. For instance, if the job calls for writing skills, you can mention that you used to write dissertations at university.
Your personal statement is a chance to show your skills and why you are a good candidate.
3. Don’t make your CV longer than 2 A4 pages
Even if you have a lot of work experience, knowledge and skills, avoid making your CV longer than 2 A4 pages. When customizing your CV for each job, only include the most recent and relevant positions from your work history. You don't need to include work experience from over 15 years ago as it's usually not important anymore.
Furthermore, you could bundle certain positions or periods on your CV. If you don't have enough space, you can make the font smaller. But it can't be smaller than 10 points for fonts like Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, Tahoma, Trebuchet, and Verdana. For fonts like Cambria, Georgia, Garamond, and Times New Roman, it can't be smaller than 10-11 points.
4. Ensure that you include vital sections of your CV
The following sections shouldn’t be missing from your CV:
- Personal and contact details: first and last name, full address, place of residence, telephone number, e-mail address
- Personal profile (not essential, but can greatly enhance your CV ie LinkedIn profile)
- Work experience
- Education
Nice-to-have sections include:
- Information about you: birthdate, birthplace, driver's license, gender, nationality, marital status, social media links, blog or website.
- Courses/professional development
- Certifications
- Internships
- Volunteering
- Memberships and affiliations
- Skills
- Languages
- Hobbies and interests
- References
5. Focus on achievements, not responsibilities
When writing about the different roles you’ve held, focus on your achievements, rather than listing all your responsibilities.
Achievements show employers how well you performed in a job and the impact you made. For example, instead of saying you planned an event, describe how you organised an event for 200 people and raised a lot of money.
The best way to think about your achievements is: task + skill + outcome/result
6. Prioritise the most important information
Employers and recruiters get many CVs for one job and only spend a few seconds looking at each one. You need to highlight the relevant information for the job specifically.
To make it easy for them to decide whether your CV will end up on the yes or no pile, place the most important information at the top. If you just finished school, your education is important. If you have been working for a while, your experience matters.
You can also select one of three CV formats to highlight your skills and work experience:
- Reverse chronological: best for those with a linear career history
- Functional or skills-based: suitable if you have gaps in your CV or you lack relevant work experience
- Hybrid: ideal for highlighting your career history and your skills
7. Be honest
Don't lie on your CV. Even if it's tempting to exaggerate your skills and experience, it's not a good idea. You may always face the risk of getting caught, even years later.
Overstating your language skills is especially unwise. If you speak a language less well than you claim or you’re not able to apply your skills in a professional environment, you’ll soon end up with egg on your face when a recruiter tests your language skills at the pre-screening or interview stage.
It’s also inadvisable to lie about your qualifications on your CV. Often, all it takes is a phone call for recruiters and employers to check whether you've really obtained the certifications you say you’ve received. In some cases, inflating your university grades or changing previous job titles is even punishable by law. There are applicant tracking systems that can uncover these untruths.
8. Check spelling and grammar
This goes without saying, but your CV should be free of spelling and grammatical errors. That’s why it’s essential to check and double-check your CV.
While spell checkers are mostly reliable, they’re not infallible. Therefore, it’s necessary to check your CV for yourself or better still, ask a trusted friend, colleague or family member.
9. Have your CV checked by someone else
Two eyes are better than one. That’s why it’s best to have your CV checked by someone else. They can not only check whether there are spelling errors, but also whether the CV reads well. You need to make sure your CV is easy to read for the hiring manager that will be reviewing your CV for the relevant skills.
10. Pay attention to the format and layout of your CV
A tidy CV shows attention to detail and helps recruiters find information quickly. A messy resume layout makes you seem messy and disorganized.
Make your CV look good by including clear headings (preferably in bold), making use of white space and writing in bullet points.
Do you need a Quote for our Tax and Accounting Services?
Contact our team via any of the following channels to get a proposal for your accounting and tax services:
Subscribe to our newsletters.
Disclaimer:
The views or opinions expressed on this site are solely those of the original authors and other contributors.
The material and information contained on this website is for general information purposes only.
This information is for general purposes only. Don't use this information for making business, legal and tax decisions without consulting a professional.
We do not make any express or implied representation, as to the completeness or accuracy of the information published.
Tax law changes regularly, and any tax information on this site might be outdated.
We are not responsible for any other websites that you may access through links on our website.
ZPA accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any material on this site.
