Writing a CV – Techniques & Tips
Cooper Lomaz can show you how to write a
CV and land that all-important job interview
When it comes to writing a CV, you only get one chance to make a good first impression. That may sound like a cliché, but it’s your future we’re talking about here. And it all rests on writing a CV that’s good enough to land a precious job interview!
The fact you’re reading this suggests you’re not happy with the CV you have right now – or you want to begin your job search with a head start over the competition.
A major drawback with so many job applications is that they all look the same: same approach, same basic information, same format. To land an interview, you need to stand out. You also need to tailor your CV as much as possible for the vacancy.
How to tailor your CV
It is critical to remember that a potential employer will usually spend no more than 30 seconds scanning your CV. They’re looking for key qualifications and experience – and a person whose approach and attitudes will fit in with their business culture.
To stand out from the crowd, it’s important to bring some ‘creativity’ to the table when setting out the main areas of your CV.
Your Personal Statement
The scope for injecting your own personality is probably greatest with this part of your CV. You know what qualities the employer is looking for – so make it your business to sell yourself, hard!
Sum up your unique selling points and, in a brief sentence, state your career aims. Add to that: what you can bring to the job in question, and what you have already accomplished that will help in making your appointment a successful one.
Employment History
OK, so you cannot change who you’ve worked for in the past. What you CAN do, however, is highlight those achievements and responsibilities you’ve had that are most relevant to the post for which you’re applying.
For example, if you are applying for a managerial position but have never previously worked as a manager, you could emphasise that your previous roles involved considerable responsibility and decision-making with regard to delegation, chairing meetings, training staff and so on.
Your Hobbies and Interests
Where certain personality traits are mentioned in a job advertisement, it makes sense to match whatever hobbies and interests you have with the personal qualities required.
If you are applying for a senior position, for instance, it may be worth mentioning that you captained or ran training sessions with your local football or cricket team. This will obviously demonstrate your leadership and organisational ability.
In a different way, when applying for a position such as a Designer, why not mention the exhibitions you’ve visited – or maybe the designers you admire.
How to Write an Interview-winning CV
To make sure you make the short-list… check out the company’s website for an insight into the type of company you’re applying to join. Then tailor your CV to suit!
Try to keep your CV to a maximum of two A4 pages. Any more, and the employer may ignore it as being too long-winded.
An attractive, well-spaced layout is the best approach. Employers may take a dim view of small text sizes or unreadable fonts.
- Remember: Your CV is an invitation!
Maximise your chances of being invited to an interview by giving your CV a logical structure; an attractive appearance; and content that says you’re a winner!
For more information about working with Cooper Lomaz to write
a CV that lands a job-winning interview, contact us today.