Attempting to document your career history can be a difficult task but you need a strong CV to stand out from the crowd. If you want that dream job, you need a quality CV.
Over the years, we’ve read and responded to thousands upon thousands of CVs - we’ve seen what works and what doesn’t.
Leave your prospective employer wanting to know more about your skills and experience by turning your CV into something special with our top tips for writing your CV:
Include your contact details. Don’t laugh! Roughly 20% of the CVs we receive don’t have phone numbers or include an incorrect number.
Don’t keep it short. There’s no need to limit yourself to two pages. Keep your CV succinct, but don’t cram things in. If you think you need more than two pages, chances are you probably do!
Formatting!!! Keep the layout simple, clean and easy to follow.
Write a short profile. Tailor it to each role you apply for and highlight why you believe you’re the best person for the job
Use a confident tone and positive language.
Concentrate on your achievements and not just your responsibilities. Write about the things you’ve done, don’t just rewrite your job description. Quote figures wherever possible, especially if the role involves targets and KPIs.
Highlight your relevant experience and skills on your CV to encourage the employer to read on. For example, Technical CVs should always include a skills summary (or tech spec); it quickly allows the reader to identify your primary skillset.
Check, check and check again for correct spelling and grammar. A CV with typos is a quick and easy way of weeding out weaker candidates when faced with a mountain of CVs to read. Ask a friend or relative to read over your CV for mistakes, sometimes it just needs a fresh pair of eyes!
Read your CV in full once you’ve finished. Does it make sense? Does it describe what you can do? Does it describe how well you can do it?
Things to avoid:
- Don’t include a photo
- Don’t list all of the one-day training course you have ever been on
- Don’t use elaborate fonts and colours (unless you’re in the creative industries and think it works)
- Don’t divulge sensitive information
- Don’t lie. It’s plain-as-day.
Got any additional tips? CV horror or success stories? Let us know in the comments section below.
Enigma People Solutions is an award-winning technology recruitment consultancy. We find technical leaders for the emerging and enabling technology industries. Visit our job search page for the latest vacancies in photonics, electronics, semiconductor, software and IoT in Scotland. Check out our blog for the latest in the technology industry. You can get in touch with us hello@enigmapeople.com or call us on + 44 131 510 8150