Three Steps To Create The Perfect CV
Due to the current economic climate, there is likely to be significantly increased competition for each vacancy. How do you ensure that you stand out from all the other applicants? Whilst the usage of personal video introductions is increasing, the CV is still the most widely used platform to secure yourself an interview.
Let’s face it, it is almost impossible to summarise a human being on 2 or 3 sheers of paper and writing an excellent CV or shouting about your own achievements doesn’t come naturally to everyone. To help you achieve this, we have created a simple 3 step guide to help you create a document which genuinely represents YOU.
Step 1: Structure
The most effective CV’s tell a story. A story which is easy to understand and one which makes sense to the reader. If your CV has a few plot twists, don’t panic, be honest and explain any relevant reasoning!
Start with the basics. Name and contact info, followed by a Personal Summary. Some people find it hard to write about themselves, so try asking friends or previous colleagues (or current colleagues if you really trust them!) how they would describe you. You might see some familiar themes which resonate with your own thoughts. Use this to create a powerful and accurate statement.
The next section is Career History. Start with your most recent experience at the top and work backwards. For each role, write the dates you worked at the organisation, the business name and your job title. Then write a very short summary of the business core activities which helps the reader paint a picture of your career. We have included an example below to help you with this.
EXAMPLE
June 2015 - September 2019 ABC Real Estate Investment Manager ABC Real Estate is a private equity real estate specialise focussed on the Logistics & Industrial sector across the UK, Western Europe and Asia.
Responsibilities
Achievements
Below this, include a short bullet point segment with core Responsibilities and then Achievements. We would advocate spending more time on achievements, as these are unique only to you and can really make you stand out from the crowd!
Step 2: Unique Achievements
It takes time and effort to write a really strong CV. But, by taking the time, you are investing in yourself and your future. It is time well spent if it helps you to secure an interview and subsequently a job offer.
Start by thinking about your most recent position. Take a notepad and think back over the duration of time you have worked at the business. Start noting down every achievement you are proud of, no matter how big or small. Try to think about achievements across a range of areas and not all related to the same topic.
Once you have completed your list, grade them in order of what you feel are the most powerful or most relevant to a specific position that you are applying for. Choose the top 3-5 from your list (keep hold of the others - there might be a different role for which your other achievements are more relevant) and expand each into a powerful statement. You now have a list of achievements that is totally unique to you. Replicate this for the other relevant roles in your career history.
Step 3: Education & Interests
If you spent years studying to earn a Degree, Masters or Doctorate, this should definitely be included on your CV. Include the dates, the name of the institution where you carried out your studies, the name of your course and your final mark. You could also include the name of some specific modules if they are especially relevant.
You should also include your hobbies and interests. Sometimes the importance of this part is forgotten, however having hobbies and interests outside of your professional life is really important for physical and mental health and wellbeing.
By following these steps, you should be able to build a powerful CV which is totally unique to you and your career.