CV Tips

JPL Group are always available to assist you in preparing the perfect CV. Here are some good pointers which will get your CV noticed by a potential employer.

Keep It Concise
Employers have lots to do, so don't make the mistake of asking them to read through an unnecessarily long CV. A long, wordy CV will put off someone who is already short on time. CVs should be one to two pages to describe relevant work experience. A two page CV is no advantage if it's full of information that isn't reasonably applicable to the position you're applying for. Use the space only if you need it to fully disclose your accomplishments.

Make Your Words Count
Your use of language is extremely important; you need to sell yourself to an employer quickly and efficiently. Address your potential employer's needs with a clearly written, compelling CV.

• Avoid large paragraphs (over six or seven lines). CVs are often scanned by hiring managers. If you provide small, digestible pieces of information you stand a better chance of having your CV actually read
• Use action verbs such as "developed," "managed," and "designed" to emphasise your accomplishments.
• Don't use declarative sentences like "I developed the..." or "I assisted in..."; leave out the "I."
• Avoid passive constructions, such as "was responsible for managing." It's not only more efficient to say "Managed," it's stronger and more active.

Make The Most Of Your Experience
Potential employers need to know what you have accomplished to have an idea of what you can do for them.

• Don't be vague. Describe things that can be measured objectively. Telling someone that you "improved warehouse efficiency" doesn't say much. Telling them that you "cut requisition costs by 20%, saving the company £3800 for the fiscal year" does. Employers will feel more comfortable hiring you if they can verify your accomplishments.
• Be honest. There is a difference between making the most of your experience and exaggerating or falsifying it. A falsified CV can be easily spotted by an employer (if not immediately then during the interview process), and if it doesn't prevent you from getting the job, it can cost you the job later on.