Writing up your CV could be a daunting task. It is, after all, a representation of you, only it’s on paper and can’t defend itself if being harshly criticised.

Yeah, that’s a scary thought. however, we’ve got some awesome tips from experienced professionals, who know what works, to help you add some confidence to your resume.

1. Keep it brief

When an HR team or manager receives tens, or even hundreds, of CVs, they don’t have time to read about your grade 5 school projects and how you were a prefect 4 years in a row! Whoever is reading your CV is actually just scanning it for precise information, so the easier you make it for them to see that tidbit, the better the impression you’ll make. One to two pages is more than enough. Yes, I said 1-2.

2. Why YOU?

Every CV should have an introduction, or a brief summary of who you are and why you rock. Think of it as a blurb at the back of a book. A tantalising few sentences that help potential employers see that this CV is worth taking the time to read. State what your journey has been like up until this point and what makes you an asset. Remembering our first point about keeping
it brief, sprinkle a few adjectives you think best describe you as a person and an employee without going overboard.

3. Be sure to include…

There are some items that should be on everyone’s CV checklist, which are:

� Personal information
� Your professional statement
� Your employment history, starting with your most recent experiences
� Your greatest educational achievements and skills

You might want to include references and certifications, but that could be dependent on the company you’re sending your CV out to. Your best bet is to leave them out and provide them if requested.

4. Appearances Matter

Taking your time to design a fresh-looking CV could be the difference between catching the employer’s eye or ending up in the “discard” pile early. Honestly, if you won’t bother spending time on your CV, why should anybody else? There are plenty of sites that offer well-designed templates, or if you’re a whizz with Photoshop, you could give yourself an edge over the competition by designing your own from scratch. If you are looking to be hired in a creative role, you might want to add more personality to it, but you really can’t go wrong with a simple, clean-looking CV if not.

5. Keep it updated

Reviewing and updating your CV is paramount. Potential employers are easily swayed by candidates who actively seek out to better their skills without being prompted, so if you are working on a new project, or enrolled in a course, add it to your CV. Other points of interest might be recent volunteer days, which could speak to your fit with the company culture and values.

If you need a little extra support and guidance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with recruitment specialists at Wigwam. They know what steps you need to take to improve your chances of standing out for all the right reasons and finding employment. Contact [email protected] and let's start a dialougue. 

If you wish to be kept up to date with the latest opportunities, then be sure to register now!

written by David Ozi Borg October 2020.