Three tips for writing a stand-out CV

Posted on 24/04/2018 by Jess O'Connor

Imagine this: you come across a vacancy for your dream job. Your heart soars! And then it sinks… because you have to send in your CV, and you’re not sure your CV is good enough.

Does this scenario sound familiar??

So many people miss out on getting a job interview because their CV is poorly written. Don’t let that be you!

At ITC, we can help you write a CV that reflects your experience and dedication. Our employment consultants are available to guide you on the CV writing process; all you need to do is ask.

“We won’t write your CV for you, but we will give you some pointers and feedback to help you get it perfect,” says Employment Consultant Cathy Alder.

“If you’d like our help, please speak to your Home Tutor and we’ll arrange a time to go over your CV together.”

In the meantime, here are some of Cathy’s tips for writing a stand-out CV.

1. Keep your CV as short as possible

When it comes to writing your CV, less is more. Try to get across your work experience and key attributes in as few words as possible. An ideal CV length is 1-2 pages.

“No employer has time to read pages and pages of text when reviewing job applications, so keep your CV to two pages at most,” says Cathy.

This can be challenging, especially when you want to show your keenness for the job. It helps to remember that your CV is just a stepping stone; you can elaborate on your experience once you get an interview.

“Think of your CV as a quick fact sheet. Your CV should be a quick read, to the point, and easy on the eye. You can incorporate more personality in your cover letter,” adds Cathy.

2. Provide examples of your experience

Anyone can write: “I’m a motivated person with great customer service skills” – but where is the proof? The point of a CV is to provide examples.

“Back up your claims with actual experience, like the time you did work experience or the skills you’ve learned from your part-time job,” says Cathy.

“Your skills should also match up with the job requirements in the ad. For example, if the ad is seeking someone organised, then think of a time where you’ve demonstrated your organisational skills. This doesn’t necessarily have to be in a work environment. You could use studying as an example or an extracurricular activity you did at high school.”

3. Use correct spelling and grammar

When an employer receives several applications for one job, they start by looking for reasons NOT to interview people. If your CV includes incorrect spelling or grammar, it will probably go straight in the ‘no’ pile without a second glance.

“Incorrect spelling and grammar makes a bad first impression. So go the extra mile and proofread your CV carefully. Get a friend or family member to provide feedback and catch any sneaky typos or errors,” says Cathy.

So there you have it – three tips for writing a stand-out CV. Keep it succinct, provide examples, and use correct spelling and grammar.

These three simple things will make a world of difference, but don’t forget to book a time to speak with Cathy or Sarndra to get further feedback on how to make your CV perfect.

Posted in News, Study inspiration | Tagged CV writing, employment consultants, study tips |