Why is having a good CV important?

A CV is a short document that gives you a chance to show a prospective employer the best of what you’ve got. It sells your skills, experience, and shows them you’re the right person for the job.

Making a good impression is important in today’s competitive job market. Your CV will be your first contact with employers so it’s essential to get it right.

• A mistake-free CV says you’re professional and care how you come across (ask a friend to read it through)
• Don’t just write out your job description; say how you made a difference at work, or describe a project from college
• Different jobs require different strengths: a little research can help you highlight relevant strengths for a specific role
• Bullet points make it easier to scan for key skills
• Keep it short: no more than two pages
• Don’t leave gaps: if you’ve had time to travel or care for a relative, say what you learned from the experience.

Key sections of a CV

Your CV should be no longer than 2 pages long and have line spaces between each section.

Your personal details

In this section, you should include your name, address and contact details. You do not need to include your age, marital status or nationality.

Your personal profile

This section acts as a mini-advert for you but it should only be a few lines. You should summarise your skills and qualities; past work achievements and careers aims.

Employment history and work experience

Start with your present or most recent job. You should include relevant details such as who the employer was, the dates that you worked for them, your job title and what roles you carried out. Try to emphasise those things that will that bring out skills that employers might be looking for.

Education and training

Start with your most recent qualifications. Often you can display this section of your CV in bullet points or a table.

Interests and achievements

This section should only include information that is directly relevant to the job or which highlight key skills like organising charity events or achievements through volunteering.

Interview Tips

Prepare in advance to make a good impression

• Dress smartly
• Make sure you know where the venue is so that you are there on time
• Research the company and be prepared to say you wat to work for them
• Examine the Person Specification to see what skills they are looking for and are likely to ask you questions about
• Note down some real examples to demonstrate where you have used those skills
• Be positive about what you can do.

Accept feedback so that you can learn to improve.

Think about the interview from the viewpoint of the employer

• Make sure that you are clear on the company values and vision
• Make sure that you know some key facts about the company
• Make sure you know what the main tasks and responsibilities of the job
• Make sure you have an idea of what the main challenges will be

Sell yourself

• What interests do you have that might be relevant to the job?
• Think through how you want to come across to the employer and keep that image in mind for the interview
• Think through where you have worked in a team and reflect on what makes you a good team member. How can you show this effectively to the employer?

References:

https://careersinspiration.co.uk/Support-for-Career-Development/Interview-Tips