Is there such a thing as a perfect CV?
So you have seen the perfect role and it’s now time to ensure that your CV stands out from the crowd and makes that important impact. 
While we believe there is the perfect job for everyone the perfect CV may just be a myth! However, there are good practices and essential information that should be included to ensure that you as a candidate really demonstrate your experience and qualifications to potential employers and secures you that important interview.
So what information is key?
Your personal details – yes it may seem obvious but we get many CVs where candidates forget to add their personal details – name, email, contact phone number are essential. Make it easy for us to get in touch with you. Presenting this detail at the top of the page – even better as part of a header on each page – is the optimum placement.
Your personal statement – a short description of about 150 words before you start the main detail within your CV. Summarise your skills and experience – in fact, get straight to the point and state who you are in a professional way and how you can help the employer. For example “I am a customer-focused administrator who helps sales teams secure leads by effectively managing a CRM system and diary appointments.” Prove to a recruiter or future employer why you are what they are looking for and capture their attention in this early section.
Work Experience – list all your work experience to date; most recent first. Ensure you include the name of the company(ies) you work(ed) with, your job title and your responsibilities. If you can map this out relevant to the job you are applying for it evidences that your experience is relevant to the role. Remember recruiters and employers check facts and will ask for references so be honest when you relate your past experience and responsibilities.
Achievements – set out your relevant achievements and how you can use them in the role you are applying for. Winning a medal at the high jump, while a great achievement is not relevant – ensure they are appropriate so that the recruiter and future employer can see how they can relate directly and be implemented within their business.
Education – again, most recent first and ensure you list dates of study, schools, colleges and universities attended and the course and grade you obtained. If your education is recent then place it on the first page of your CV so employers can see exactly what you have achieved academically. As you move from education into your career ensure your most recent experience is listed first and clearly positioned on the first page.
Hobbies and Interests – highlight the skills you’ve gained through your interests. Describe any examples of positions of responsibility, working in a team or where you use your own initiative.
We also recommend:
- Keep your CV short – keep the recruiter and potential employer interested and avoid waffle. Two sides of A 4 in a Word format should be sufficient.
- Presentation is key. Lay out your CV clearly and logically – clear headings for each section, correct spacing. Avoid large sections of text, bullet points work well and should be used where feasible. Choose a professional font and ensure it is large enough to be easily read (we recommend Arial size 11 font).
- Mirror the language used in the advertised role – it shows that you have considered how your skills and achievements can relate directly to what is required for the role.
- If you have enjoyed a career break or have a gap in employment provide information on the reasons for that gap and what you did during that period. For example, travelling, learning a new skill or doing further education shows that you have maximised that time out.
- Check your grammar and spelling thoroughly – typos and incorrect grammar do get noticed and your CV stands out for the wrong reasons.
- References – we recommend using the wording “References on request”. Dependent on the role you are applying for you may wish to change the referee names. Never include or submit names or contacts details for your referee without seeking their permission first.
- Review your CV regularly to keep it updated.
In summary
Every job is different and it is important to tailor your CV to the role you are applying for. Understand the job description and show how your skills are transferable. Check and double check it before you send it. Tailoring your CV accordingly is vital to stand out.
Remember your CV needs to hook a recruiter early on to entice them to read it and want to speak with you.
Good luck!
At Alexander Mae, we are focused on recruiting the highest calibre of candidates for our clients and working with our candidates to ensure each person is placed in the right role. If you are interested in any of our vacancies please email [email protected] or ph: 0117 9055035.
