CV Tips
Don't Neglect Appearance
Your CV is the first impression you'll make on a potential employer, and a successful CV depends on more than what you say; how you say it counts as well.
- Check your CV for proper grammar and correct spelling this is evidence of good communication skills and attention to detail. Nothing can ruin your chances of getting a job faster than submitting a CV filled with (easily preventable) mistakes.
- Make your CV easy on the eyes. Use normal margins (1" on the top and bottom, 1.25" on the sides) and don't cram your text onto the page. Allow for some breathing room between the different sections. Avoid unusual or exotic font styles; use simple fonts with a professional look.
Target. Target. Target.
Emphasise what you can do for an employer. Be specific. If you are going after more than one job opening, customise your CV accordingly. It helps to tailor your CV for a specific position. Remember to only include the experience that is relevant to the job.
Eliminate Superfluous Details
Unnecessary details can take up a lot of valuable space on your CV.
- List your hobbies and interests only if you can relate them to the position you're applying for. If you need room to describe your work experience, avoid this altogether.
- The phrase "References available upon request" should be left off if you need room to describe your work experience. Most employers assume you have references they may contact, and will request them if there's a need to do so.
- Avoid the "Objective" statement - your objective should be clearly articulated in your cover letter. If you do include an objective, be specific. Vague statements, such as "Looking to utilise my IT skills" or "seeking a rewarding position" add nothing to a CV and may in fact make you appear insincere.
