TOP CV TIPS - OVERVIEW 

Winning CV has compiled a comprehensive list of the 'Top CV Tips' by recruiters. 
Think smarter - use this advice to improve a job application by avoiding any unncessary mistakes. 

Top recruiter tips will help applicants sell their CVs more effectively to employers and ultimately
get an interview.  The following tips are not highlighted in any specific order or preference.

Keep it simple, yet effective

Must be able to sell your strengths, achievements, experience, skills, qualities and any unique selling points (USPs). Providing supporting evidence throughout your CV will sell yourself as a credible candidate and hopefully set yourself apart from others.

Keep it honest - you will be found out!

Recruiters can find out if you are lying by referring to your previous employer for a reference.
When doing the job, you maybe caught out sometime in the future. Be it on your conscience!

Experienced recruiters will easily spot lies. In a legal context, candidates would be obtaining money by deception and fraud if caught lying!   Recruiters have a duty to employ trustworthy candidates.
Lying only gives an excuse not to shortlist candidates.

                                                                                                                                 

Recruiters have only 30 seconds to scan your CV and covering letter.

Use clear and unambiguous bullet-points will help presentation and to get your points across - avoid jargon, long paragraphs and waffle.  Keeping it simple and straight-to-the-point helps to maintain the attention (focus) of the reader.  Eliminate irrelevant information.

Effective CV Presentation

Recruiters often receive CVs full of formatting errors. Most recruiters receive applications online
and will open up CVs using MS Word software variants.

A recommendation would be to convert your CV to an Adobe PDF format and send it with your MS Word file. Adobe PDF documents cannot be altered and will avoid any formatting errors.

Attention To detail

A well-presented, structured and articulated CV will immediately create a good impression and persuade the recruiter to read-on.

Get the basics right by avoiding formatting errors, spelling mistakes and over-bearing headings.
Get someone else to check your CV, do not rush it & even leave it for a few days before returning to it.

Always match your CV to the job description

There are certain key attributes, buzzwords and key phrases that will grab their attention.
This helps to sell you positively and as a credible candidate.

Showing your work history

Most recruiters prefer work history in reverse chronological order (most recent first). A clear job title, company name and location of employers should be given. Dates of employment should be placed on the right hand side to allow a quick scan down the page.

It maybe worthwhile giving a brief description of company activities and its prominence (standing) within the industry it operates (helps to understand your former employers, their relative market standing and business activities).

                                                                                                                                 

Selling your achievements / accomplishments

Recruiters should be able to clearly distinguish what candidates did in any given job role.
Mention key responsibilities, examples of making a difference and achievements.

Recruiters are looking for evidence of impact on the company (results, benefits), delivering
excellence, exceptional performance, leadership abilities, extra responsibilities and projects, etc.
List any experience whether paid or unpaid.

Sell your IT and technology skills

List all IT, computing, programming and software skills.
Employers are always extremely keen on IT-literate candidates - very desirable skills.

Applying for jobs yet finding yourself under-qualified or inexperienced

Acknowledge that you are under-qualified but sell other parts of your experience, skills and qualities.

Best to be upfront about it in your letter, CV or email. Whilst you may not be suitably qualified, there maybe added skills and experience which could still make the difference about being invited to interview.

Education

Candidates with less work experience will need to sell educational achievements more.

Consider transferable skills like presenting to groups, working under pressure (exams & projects)
& an ability to learn (structured learning). University courses often include company placements.

Email applications - clearly name file attachment

Place your name and put CV (or Covering Letter) in the title so recruiter can clearly distinguish your application. This makes it easier for the recruiter (saves time and hassle).


                                               

            

Beat the competition! - Make sure your CV stands out from the crowd & win at interview!