Effective CV Writing - Do's and Don'ts
There are many facts and fallacies about writing an effective CV and depending on where you turn, you’ll get different advice - all presenting itself as the final word on the subject. There are rules to be followed, outlined below, but there is also room for flexibility.
DO
DO keep the layout and design legible, consistent and easy to follow, with good clear headings, large easy-to-read typeface such as Times New Roman, Courier or Arial.
DO use good quality, plain paper.
DO make sure that the headings used in your CV are consistent in their appearance. They should be written in the same font and size, and not underlined.
DO leave plenty of white space on your CV, i.e. do not put too much writing on any one page and leave adequate space between each section. This will ensure that your CV is easy to read and that it looks uncluttered.
DO orientate your CV towards specific (and quantifiable) achievements rather than duties and responsibilities. It should tell prospective employers everything that might interest them and nothing that will waste their time.
DO write in clear, concise terms, using active words (e.g. accomplished, created, enhanced, launched, negotiated, etc). If you don’t feel comfortable with this, write a factual statement such as: ‘Achieved sales objectives of 250 units per month’.
DO keep it succinct. Highlight particular personal achievements, e.g. ‘During my period as Manager, turnover increased 120 per cent.’
DO put your work history and educational details in reverse chronological order, i.e. starting with the most recent.
DO be specific in your CV. Use numbers or percentages to illustrate your successes or the impact you can have.
DO spend time on your Personal Statement. It should briefly outline the knowledge, skills, attitudes and abilities that you possess. In particular, it should highlight that you have appropriate knowledge that is required to do the job, the skills required (these will relate to the transferable skills that you have developed throughout your education and career so far), the attitude and abilities required. It may be useful to fill out a transferable skills checklist if you are unsure which skills you can demonstrate. You can get one of these from your Performance Lifestyle Adviser.
DON'T
DON’T send poor quality reproductions. It doesn’t cost much for good quality reproductions - this is your career we’re talking about!
DON’T use both sides of the paper. Use separate sheets of paper for each page of your CV.
DON’T waste space at the start of your CV with the heading ‘Curriculum Vitae’. It will be clear to the employer that the document is your CV. It is also a waste of valuable space.
DON’T exaggerate your experience to make it sound more impressive. If it can’t stand up to scrutiny in the interview, you will blow your chances of getting the job.
DON’T claim complete responsibility for achievements implying no one else deserves any credit as this is usually not the case.
DON’T write a novel. It should concisely paint a picture of you and your job history. Key points should be highlighted to develop interest and excitement about you as a potential candidate.
DON’T use a narrative style. Highlight your accomplishments in a bullet point format, as you then don’t need as many complete sentences. But be warned; brief points must be carefully thought out.
DON’T use initials and jargon. Write so you’re understood. There’s a general consensus by good interviewers that people who really know their subject, write and speak clearly and don’t try to complicate issues.
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