CV Writing Top Tips

I guess we all know that the CV is the passport to a job interview or a business meeting - well it should be! Sadly, so many that come through Cardinal's email inbox are a passport to nowhere. Here are a few top tips for creating a document that is likely to inspire a conversation between you and the recipient leading to future opportunities.

Create your CV so that it's:

• Business-like - create the perfect CV using Max Eggert's book of the same title
• Designer - craft your Career Profile capturing your expertise, competencies and skills to match the role you are aiming for.
• Achievement-benefit focused - state the action, analyse, & explain the benefit e.g. reduced stock, by 20%, releasing £50,000 for re-investment.
• Current - Focus on the last 3 years. Headline only anything older than 10 years.
• Brief - 2 pages is more than enough to tell whether someone can do the job
• Ready for action so you can produce on demand
• Eye-catching - draft & ask someone who's own CV is successful to check it.
• Spell & grammar perfect - if in doubt read Lynne Truss's "Eats, Shoots and Leaves"

Then follow this order of play for maximum impact...

1. Name, address, telephone numbers, email address centred at the top of the page 1.

2. Career Profile

3. Summary of Achievements followed by employment history
or
4. Most recent career experience, starting with your most recent role and underpinned by achievements

5. Professional qualifications, training and education

6. Personal details.

And do…

• Use bullet points, keep to third party avoiding the use of "I"
• Use a clear, modern font, size 11 or 12
• Avoid including your salary or references

Mel Armstrong
Cardinal Talent Ltd

Cardinal Talent Ltd, Suite 3&5 Victoria Court, 91 Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth, HD9 3JA