We’ve all heard the terrifying statistics about how little time employers spend reviewing a CV (seven seconds…seven!). If you get it right, you’ll breeze right through to the interview stage; get it wrong, and all of your hard work and experience will be for naught. So CV tips are very important as in anywhere first impression is the last impression.
What your CV looks like and includes varies depending on the industry and role you’re applying for, but all CVs should have a consistent structure. Continue reading to learn how to write CV tips you’ll be proud of, and you’ll be getting interview invites in no time!
How lengthy should a curriculum vitae be?
You don’t want to undersell yourself, but as previously stated, you only have seconds to make an impression. Keep your CV to two sides of A4, or less if possible. Reed polled recruiters and discovered that 91% thought the ideal CV was two pages long.
This may appear to be limiting at first, but everything you include should be absolutely necessary and written as succinctly as possible. If you’re a recent graduate, you might even want to limit yourself to one page. Return to the job application and question whether what you’ve included is truly relevant.
How to Select the Best CV Format?
First impressions are important. If an employer picks up a CV and finds it visually confusing or overwhelming, chances are they will not pick it up again.
Font size and style for a CV
Don’t get too crazy here. Choose between Arial and Calibri. Both fonts look great on paper and in print. Do keep font size 10 to 12 points.
Headers
Whitespace is your ally. Make sure each section has a clear header so the reader knows what to expect. Use italics and bold only sparingly. They’re great for emphasis, but using them too often dilutes their impact.
CV tips Checking your errors
Proofread your CV twice, then again. Then have someone else proofread it. Then proofread it twice more. Don’t lose a job because you misspelled a word you know how to spell.
What should a CV contain?
Even if you spend hours perfecting your CV, if it doesn’t hit the right touchpoints, your application will be overlooked. Consider your CV to be a marketing tool for yourself and your skills – here’s what to include in a CV.
- Personal statement or cover letter
- Full name, professional title, and contact information
- Education and credentials
- Work experience
Nice-to-haves
Other useful sections may be included if there is enough space.
- Important abilities
- Interests and hobbies
- References for your CV
Last thoughts
A corporate job advertisement will typically attract 250 CVs. Job hunting is difficult enough without losing your interview spot due to a sloppy CV. That is why learning how to write CV tips is essential.
Take the time to customize your CV and cover letter to be the best they can be, and if you don’t hear back, you know you weren’t the right fit for that position. For more information read daily bases Digitalized Apex technology articles for CV tips.