Scout’s guide to writing a successful CV…
One of the first steps to securing that job you long for begins with a written documentation about yourself. For many, the reality of conveying through only a couple of pages that you are the best fit for the job and company is a daunting prospect… but at Scout we have formulated a comprehensive guide to CV writing that will ensure the process to not only be painless but also successful…
This is your opportunity to demonstrate the best of you, from your skills, experience and personality! We would always recommend that you should tweak your CV based on the job and person specification that you are applying for, so look at the job description and carefully consider the information that you are providing about your career history, rather than sending a generic CV – the employer wants to know that you can do the job advertised! If there are other skills and experiences that you feel may also contribute to this role, then also include these.
If you are seeking a creative role, a personalized and more unique CV is more than acceptable and often expected, and is a good way to demonstrate your style, personality and creativity to your potential new employer – so stand out from the crowd!!
For all other job roles, of course you will want to make your own mark on your CV, and perhaps add a bit of your own personality but there are some basic rules that are generally followed…
The Basics…
- A CV should be no longer than 2 A4 pages long, font size 10 or 12 – This may not seem long to express all you wish to, but if you have the right experience and skills for the job, you will have an opportunity to embellish on your achievements at interview stage!
- There should be no spelling mistakes – luckily we all have spellcheck nowadays, so make sure you use it to make a good first impression! This is also important with grammar and accuracy.
- Carefully and clearly lay out your CV in a simple manner, making sure it looks neat and organized – highlight, bold or underline titles, as well as using bullet points for information.
- A link – If you are a designer/ copywriter/ developer perhaps include your portfolio details, again ensuring that it shows you in the best light for the job you are applying for.
- Always be honest!!
Structure of the CV…
Personal details
Name and Contact Details.
Age and a photo are no longer necessary
Personal Profile
Within several lines, try to grab the employer’s attention by summarizing your key skills and qualities, including work background, achievements, and possible career aims. Try and make yourself stand out and not use clichéd and generalized terms. This section should lead seamlessly into your employment history.
Employment History
Always write the chronology of your employment history, starting with your present or most recent job and work backwards. Include the company name, a brief description of the work they do, month and year that you started and left, job title and your main duties. Provide bullet-points with more relevant detail, including positive examples of skills and achievements.
Try to avoid gaps in your work history, but include details of work experience, travelling, volunteering, temporary work, care work, and what you gained from these.
Education and training
Starting with your most recent qualifications, provide details of dates and type of qualifications.
Interests and achievements
This section provides a bit more information about you as a person, so in a few lines add some detail about you outside of work
References
It is more than acceptable to write ‘upon request’ but once you get to the stage of being offered the job, then you can give more information of these
