How to craft a killer CV

A simple, well-written CV can put you ahead of the crowd when it comes to taking the next step in your career. Here’s what employers are looking to see on your CV, right now.

Even in the age of LinkedIn, you still need an outstanding CV if you are going to land that fantastic new job. Trends change quickly when it comes to CVs and you may not have written one for a while. Don’t panic, however. Here’s a guide to what your CV should look like at the moment.

Profile

Your CV should start with a concise biography. However, you should tweak it for every job you apply for. Treat it like a cover letter, matched to the job.

Don’t be tempted to stuff your profile with power words and clichés like ‘fantastic interpersonal skills and excellent communicator.’ Instead, focus on the future and what you can add to the business. ‘I believe I can bring these skills to enhance the X area’ is an effective phrase.

Content

Next, it’s to write about your career. This is your opportunity to really sell yourself. Make it count.

Starting with your most recent job first, convey your achievements in a way that shows your prospective new employer what you can bring. Focus on:

• Measurables – use real figures, e.g. ‘increased portfolio productivity from X to Y’ or ‘disposed of XYZ assets for ￡X’
• Qualifications – If you’re MRICS / CIOB / IWFM, make sure it’s front and centre. Don’t bury this achievement at the bottom.
• Legislative knowledge – it is essential to show you keep up to date with this, particularly within property and construction markets. 

Also, make sure you use keywords in your content to appeal to any automated scanners that might read your work, now or in the future.

Highlight your skills

Your potential new employer will be looking to see evidence of skills that you can bring to their business. Below are the kinds of skills they want. Show that you possess them; substantiate with measurable figures if possible:

• MRICS / IWFM etc – I can’t emphasise this enough. If you have a qualification It shows ambition and commitment. You will always have a better chance of getting an interview if you’ve achieved this.
• Longevity – while we all have a role in our career that didn’t work out, career-hopping is rarely optimal.
• Specialisation – what are you an expert in?
• Communication skills – can you build strong relationships and influence?
• Flexibility – can you come in early, work late, always do what is required?
• Can you demonstrate a strong network?
• Entrepreneurial mindset – where can you add value to your new company?
• Are you up to date with technology and legislation – embrace change.

Show don’t tell

The most effective way to show your worth on a CV is to focus on results, not responsibilities. Employers don’t want to see your old job descriptions; they want to see your skills and how you can bring value to their vacant position. 

State the facts, with tangible values. You don’t need to rely on clichés like ‘self-starter’ or ‘motivated and work well in a team’. They’ve seen it all before.

Style tips

At the moment, the trend for style in CVs is simplicity. Keep it simple. Your employer may have dozens of CVs to read. Make it as easy for them as possible.

• Use a simple font such as Arial or Calibri – 11 font.
• No pictures or fancy layouts.
• You don’t need to list every skill or every job you’ve ever had. Be concise.
• Make sure your key achievements relate to the role you’re applying for.
• Your contact details should be easy to find.

Final fundamentals

Take time to craft a CV that shows the expertise and personality you can bring to your new role. That way, you give yourself a better chance of getting that interview, where you can really impress them.

Finally, here are some tips on the fundamentals of CV writing.

You probably have between 6 and 9 seconds to grab your potential employer’s attention before they move on to the next CV. Start strong.

Make sure your CV is well-written. Use correct grammar and proofread for typos. Make sure you save it under a relevant file name.

Include your references with your CV. Also, pick the phone up to your recruiter or contact at the company to make sure they have your CV and to check how the process is moving. Don’t rely on them to contact you.

Good luck!

To find out more about exciting opportunities in the Property, FM or Construction Industry, talk to our team on 0121 582 0877, or www.joshuarobert.co.uk today.