Clarity is key here. To help your CV stand out, keep it simple, straightforward and easy to read. This means a clear font and format and clear direct language. Avoid borders, presentation folders, bindings, illustrations and photographs. Two pages is the ideal length, with the most immediately important information on the front page.
The first page should include, along with relevant dates:
Name
Contact details
Nationality/visa information
Education and qualifications - most recent first
Key skills such as languages - and keep this succinct - we are not looking for an opinion piece
Current or most recent employment -
Name of Organisation
A brief description of the organisation - ie a couple of lines
Job Title
A brief description of the main purpose of the role (optional)
Key Responsibilities
- List these as bullet points
Key Achievements
- List these as bullet points
The second page should include, along with relevant dates:
Previous employment in reverse chronological order
Additional relevant information which can include extra curricular activities, grades in musical instruments, memberships and interests.
On reading your CV we are looking for evidence, not opinion. If you want to express the fact that you are a good communicator, allow this to be evident from your experience or interests.
If you are a recent graduate, with little experience, focus on extra curricular activities at university, organising events, student politics, student journalism, travel experience, drama and sporting achievements. And include any vacation work experience and skills such as PowerPoint or Excel.
Use of language is important:
- Active is more powerful than passive
- Use positive verbs such as: initiated, developed, organised, researched, identified
- Avoid using the first person or third person
Accuracy is vital. Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors are instantly off-putting. Always ask someone else to proof-read your CV before you send it out.
One of Europe’s most trusted and respected technology PR agencies are searching for a motivated and ambitious trainee account executive to join their team.
