Top CV tips when looking for work

That is your first impression, and how it looks and reads could be the difference between you finding employment or not.

To mark our bumper 350 local jobs special in this week’s Advertiser, we have collectedr these handy tips for your CV, to ensure you have the best chance possible of taking advantage of the opportunities available in the local area.

WHAT SHOULD YOUR CV LOOK LIKE?

Your personal details – you should include your full name, address, mobile number and email address. If relevant, also include your social media handles and blog links.

Objective – in one or two sentences, summarise and emphasise your key attributes and your intended future career path. Your words must flow seamlessly.

Employment history and work experience – Place this before the education section if you have been working for a while. Start with your most recent job, detailing your experience concisely in bullet points.

Education and training – start with your most recent qualifications and work back to the ones you received at school.

Language proficiency – speaking more than one language is a great skill to have, so make sure you shout about it! This element distinguishes your CV if you are applying for a job at an international company.

Achievements – include your academic/professional achievements to distinguish yourself from other candidates.

Interests – include this if relevant to the soft skills needed for the job.

References – name two people (not relatives), along with their email address and phone number, who may be contacted by the employer for a reference.

OVER 350 LOCAL JOB VACANCIES EXCLUSIVELY IN THIS WEEK'S ADVERTISER

HOW SHOULD YOU WRITE A CV?

Stand out

Your CV should demonstrate your unique blend of skills and experience. Make sure you include examples of commercial success, problem resolution or management achievements.

Keep it simple

Your choice of font and layout are key to making sure a would-be employer carries on reading your CV. Simple formats work best, but more people are using specialist websites now to make a trendy or quirky CV.

Don't be generic

Work out who or which industry sector your CV is destined for and tailor it to highlight the right aspects of your experience for them.

Check and check again

Avoid errors at all costs. This means spelling mistakes, dates which conflict with one another and incorrect email address and phone number.

Update

Firing off an old CV will look unprofessional, so make sure that yours is regularly updated to meet the requirements of any jobs you see advertised.

Remember, we have over 350 local job vacancies in this Friday’s Rotherham Advertiser, so don’t forget to get yourself a copy if your on the hunt for employment!

Tips courtesy of Monster.co.uk