Back to Work - The New Year Job Hunt

The killer CV: decoded - 01 January 2010

In the first of their Back to Work feature series, designed to help jobseekers find the role they want this year, The Daily Mirror is looking at creating a good CV – one of the key tools in securing a new job.

So, if your New Year’s resolution is to find a new job, a clear and updated CV is a must. Employers usually receive high volumes of applications - it’s therefore essential that your CV stands out from the crowd and creates the right impression.

Paul Laurie, Operations Manager at employment specialists Manpower, says: “Your CV is your unique selling point. A concise, accurate, two page CV will ensure that you give yourself the best chance of getting an interview. It’s your chance to persuade your potential employer that you’ve got what it takes to successfully take on the role, without going into too much detail.”

You really should sell yourself in your CV, but be careful not to exaggerate your experience, as this could be detrimental later if you cannot live up to your promises. A recruitment consultant will also be able to help you construct your CV and offer valuable advice on content and layout.

Paul continues: “One of the most common errors on CVs is spelling and grammar mistakes, so always ask someone to check your CV before it’s sent off. There are no excuses for inaccuracies and employers will not look favourably on a CV if there are mistakes – often it will just end up in the bin.”

Manpower’s top tips to create the killer CV:

• Check the job description and tailor your CV to the job you’re applying for
• Keep it brief: two pages is maximum
• Don’t over-complicate things with fancy fonts or photos – if you get an interview your employer will get a sense of your personality first hand
• Avoid using jargons and abbreviations as they do not look good. Employers will not spend time working out what they mean
• Be honest: dishonesty wastes time and can cause you embarrassment
• Include all your contact details so that employers can reach you easily
• Proof read: once you’ve checked and checked again, ask someone else to look for mistakes
• Briefly outline your hobbies so that employers get a sense of your interests outside work. These could prove to be useful talking points at interview

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