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Recruitment advice - What should my CV include?
General CV Writing Advice
How many pages should a CV be?
As a general rule, a CV / resume should be no more than around 2 pages in length – a recent graduate should stick to around 1 page, whereas, a senior manager could stretch to around 3 pages.
What personal information do I need to include?
NEVER include information detailing your height, weight, place of birth etc – not only is this irrelevant but it will waste much-needed space needed for more relevant information. You only need to state your date of birth, nationality, marital status and if you hold a driving licence.
What else should my CV / resume include?
1: A chronological account of your employment background (start from the most recent job and go backwards)
2: Details of any recent qualifications / professional development courses – especially if they relate to the job being applied for
3: Details of any achievements – try to back them up with solid facts where possible
4: Extra-curricular activities – again, only if relevant to job being applied for!!
Common CV / resume mistakes:
It has been found that approximately 50% of CVs contain spelling mistakes – this will not only portray you as being careless but you could also distract the reader’s attention from the content.
A recent survey found that many people apply for a position using incorrect contact details – check your email / postal address and phone / mobile numbers thoroughly – one digit wrong could lead to a missed call.
Many applicants don’t realise that they’re not easily contactable – have you checked your CV / resume for the correct phone / mobile number and do you check your answer phone messages regularly?
Don’t waste space and bore a recruiter into reading unnecessary information – there is no need to include details of qualifications you attained at school 20 years ago. Only state recent qualifications / courses and ones that specifically relate to the job you’re applying for. Also, don’t include: reasons for leaving, current salary or any negative comments relating to past employers!
The CV Store provides professional CV writing services to job seekers of all levels. Clients from hijobs.co.uk are entitled to a free CV review by emailing enquiries@thecvstore.net