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CV Advice
If your resume doesn’t hit the spot in the first 20 seconds, you may have missed a golden opportunity. It’s vital that you get it right.
Here are a few hints to keep in mind.
- Make the layout as simple as you can
- Keep it short, two pages or less is ideal
- Shout about your successes. If you’ve saved your company money or improved efficiency, then say so
- Use short sentences and bullet points; you can then bring the story to life at your interview
- If you use facts and figures make sure you can back them up
- Typing and spelling errors won’t impress; ask someone reliable to help you read through it carefully
- List your most recent job at the top and work backwards
- Account for gaps in time. If you’ve been travelling or had a career break, that’s fine. Just make sure you give details
- Include details of any worthwhile out of work activities like membership of a sports team or community work
- Never exaggerate the truth; claiming to be a top rower when you’ve only tried it once won’t go down well if Steve Redgrave is on the interview panel
- Don’t use humour. You may think you’re the next Peter Kay but a potential employer might not agree!