email: hilary.pathway@ntlworld.comtel: 01189 612715mob: 07798 805069
  
 

 

 

 

    

Twelve Tips for Writing a Great CV – For those in Mid or Late Career

  1. Do your research and tailor your CV to each job – Examine the job advert carefully to identify the main purpose of the role and the key skills and personal qualities required. Cut through any ‘padding’ until you are clear you understand what the job is about and what the organisation is looking for. Do some research via the internet and your network to find out what you can about the organisation. If you feel you are a good match for the job and it will offer you what you want, ensure you tailor your CV appropriately.

  2. Put yourself in the recruiter’s shoes – think like an employer not a job-hunter. Would you employ you based on the evidence presented in your CV?

  3. Omit the title CV or Curriculum Vitae – obvious and unnecessary

  4. Follow a logical order – we suggest you set out your CV as follows:

    1. Personal Details - put your name first with your personal contact details underneath, including an up-to-date email address

    2. Professional Profile – a persuasive thumbnail sketch that sums up who you are, how you add value to organisations and what you are recognised for. This section sums up Your Brand and you must be prepared to live up to it at interview. Alternatively you might include this in your covering letter (see below).

    3. Key Accomplishments and Competencies - a couple of paragraphs highlighting how you match the key skills and qualities required for the job

    4. Career history – chronological history working backwards from your current role. Focus on most recent roles with just a sentence or two on those more than 5 or 6 years ago.

    5. Educational and Professional Qualifications – include these in full, though there is no need to include long lists of GCSEs and A levels if you are educated to degree level or above.

    6. Professional memberships

    7. Relevant non-work activities – include only where they provide evidence of skills or experience required for the job

    8. Referees – include two referees, ask their permission and ensure they are ready to confirm the statements in your CV

  5. Keep the layout uncluttered – leave plenty of white space between sections and allow a margin of at least 2.5cm on all sides

  6. Emphasise your achievements and results – employers are more interested in what you achieved in previous roles than details of your job responsibilities. Provide evidence of your achievements and quantify these wherever possible.

  7. Keep it short - keep it to two sides of A4, three maximum for those with a long career

  8. Use a business-like font - such as Arial, Verdana or GillSans. Sans serif fonts like these are essential if your CV is likely to be scanned. Don’t underline as this can cause problems for scanners – instead use Bold for headings

  9. Check your spelling and grammar – ask your most literate friend to proof read your CV and spot any errors

  10. Present your CV professionally:

    1. Use high quality white paper – with a weight of 100 grams or heavier

    2. Print at high resolution on a laser printer – and keep it single-sided

    3. Use a good quality A4 white envelope

    4. Do not bind it – use a paperclip or staple if needed

  11. Don’t use gimmicks – no photographs, pictures, quirky or coloured fonts, coloured paper, or wacky ways of presenting your CV

  12. Include a covering letter with your CV - it should say why you want the job and why you are suitable for it, picking out key skills, experience and qualities that relate back to the job advertisement or job description.

If you find these tips useful then please let me know. And if you would like some further help I now offer a CV Writing Service for just £75. Contact me at hilary.pathway@ntlworld.com for more information.