Make Sure your CV Gets you the Job
CV writing is a crucial factor to get right. Job hunting is time-consuming, often boring and frequently frustrating. There isn't really any way of putting a gloss on the process but when it lands you the job of your dreams you'll feel that all the hard work of slogging away over applications and preparing presentations and interviews is well worth it. Getting your foot on the career ladder, landing a new job after a period of unemployment or making a big step-change in your career can give you a major sense of personal achievement.
CV Writing to get noticed
But first things first. You need to make sure that when you apply for a job you are giving yourself every chance at being noticed by the recruiter. It's a competitive world out there and the jobs market isn't in great shape at the moment, so each job advert attracts hundreds, sometimes thousands, of responses. The trick is to make yours more eye-catching, more relevant and more interesting to the weary HR manager who is tasked with reading through CVs and applications.
Make Your CV Interesting
Although there is a fairly standard template for CV writing, that doesn't mean it has to be boring, especially if you are applying for a job in a creative industry. Make your CV interesting, with some personality, without resorting to being too 'wacky' or over the top. Plain English, clear, concise messages and excellent grammar will take you far in the eyes of the reader.
Demonstrate Your Company Research in your Covering Letter
Many companies ask for a covering letter to accompany your CV, here's where you can really shine. Try not to send a standard letter to each company. Make it personal to each, making it abundantly clear that you have researched the company and have something to offer it.
Social Media Profiles are Nearly as Important as CV Writing
Social media is everywhere at the moment and there is every chance that a potential employer will check out your profiles before they offer you an interview. So make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and sells you as a professional, with relevant career information and endorsements from colleagues and clients. You also need to make sure your Facebook page is clean it's never a good idea to moan about your job on these forums and that there is nothing which could be construed as offensive by an
employer.
Job seeking can often feel very formal and impersonal, but no self-respecting recruiter will mind you going a little against the grain in some areas. When writing a CV try and think what an employer is looking for, keep it professional, but make it human and you're much more likely to succeed.
This article on CV Writing was written by Niraj Joshi of Circle Square Talent
To search our current
jobs
To contact one of our specialist financial recruitment consultants call 0207 492 0700 or email: jobs@circlesquare.co.uk
