Q: What is a CV?

A: ‘CV’ is short for ‘Curriculum Vitae’, a Latin phrase meaning literally, ‘course of life’. It should be a brief account of your education, qualifications, and previous employment. This is how you present yourself to the outside world, the world of work. It is a form of personal marketing, so make sure when you write your CV that it shows you in the best light possible

Q: Why should I have a good CV?

A: Overall, having a good CV is critical for your career success. It can help you stand out from other candidates, demonstrate your professionalism, and increase your chances of getting an interview and securing the job or career advancement opportunity you desire.

Most employers spend just a few seconds scanning each CV before sticking it in the 'Yes' or 'No' pile.

Keep it punchy, to the point, and save those niggly little details for the interview. Remember, writing a CV is often just one part of the application process;
a cover letter and completed application form may also be required.

Take a look at some easy steps to follow:

• Contact Information: The first thing to include in your curriculum vitae (CV) is your name, along with your contact details including your email address, telephone number and home address.
• Include a personal statement: Include a brief personal statement at the top of your CV to summarise your skills and experiences and how they align with the job requirements.
• Work history and experience: This section is where you can really shine. Set out your previous roles and experience. You should list these in reverse chronological order – that is, most recent first. This is because your most recent role and experience are the most important to your prospective employer. Include the employer, your role, employment date and no more than 3 to 4 lines of what you did.
• Tailor your CV to the job: Read the job description carefully and tailor your CV to highlight your relevant skills and experiences that match the job requirements. Don’t leave any gaps as this can immediately make the employer suspicious.
• Use a clear and professional format: Use a simple and professional format with clear headings, bullet points, and a readable font. Avoid using fancy fonts and colours.
• Font type: Good, clear fonts like Arial, Times New Roman or Calibri are ideal – definitely not Comic Sans!
• Font size: Body text should be 10 to 12 point and headings between 14 and 18. Make sure it’s readable, and don’t cram in too much or reduce the size of the margins; standard-size margins should be fine.
• Keep it concise: A good CV should be no more than two pages long. Focus on highlighting your most relevant experiences and skills.
• Use action verbs: Start each bullet point with a strong action verb to describe your achievements and responsibilities. For example, "Managed a team of 10 domestic staff."
• Highlight your achievements: Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your skills and experiences.
• Include relevant keywords: Use relevant keywords from the job description to optimise your CV for applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by recruiters.
• Be honest and truthful: Avoid exaggerating or lying about your experiences and skills. It's essential to be truthful as it can be easily verified during the interview process.
• Include your education and training: List your relevant education and training, including any certifications and professional development courses.
• Use a professional photo: A professional, well-lit headshot that clearly shows your face can help to create a positive impression and make you stand out from other applicants. It is also important to choose an appropriate style of photo that matches the tone and context of the job you are applying for. Potential employers want to see someone who is professional and focused on the job, someone who is well presented and someone who looks friendly and approachable. Our blog will give some further in depth tips on a good photo for your CV https://www.masseysagency.co.uk/top-tips-for-a-great-cv-photo/
• Proof read your CV: Finally, proof read your CV to avoid any spelling and grammatical errors. Ask a friend or family member to review your CV and provide feedback.

By following these tips, you can create a clear, concise, and professional CV that will help you stand out from the crowd.