Follow Wright Recruitment’s recommended structure and tips to ensure your CV stands out.
Your CV is the first point of contact between you and your next potential employer. It should be succinct and presented in an easy to read format using a simple font, minimal styling and the use of bullet points to break down information.
Start with Name, Address and Contact Details
List the contact details prospective employers will be able to reach you on easily at any time. Ensure the details are presented clearly and feature prominently at the top of your CV. Tip: Include a link to your up to date LinkedIn profile within your introductory details.
Introduce Yourself
Summarise and highlight what you can offer to a prospective employer, draw attention to what you have accomplished. This section should be tailored for each role you apply for and aim to make you stand out from competition.
Summarise your Skills
Use brief bullet points to list the skills and experience you have that are specific and relevant to the role. Tip: Wherever possible, use the same adjectives as those used in the advertisement.
Highlight relevant Experience
List your work history in most recent historical order – including paid work as well as relevant volunteer or work experience placements. Tailor this section to the job, specifically where key responsibilities in previous roles are applicable for your application.
Tip: Highlight how you overcame challenges both personally and as a team member.
Shout about your Achievements
Your CV is your opportunity to sell yourself and highlight why you are the best fit the role, so it is important to include where you have gone above and beyond or made a significant achievement. Where the achievements are measurable, be sure to include numbers.
List any Training, Education and Courses
Only list what is relevant or required for the role you are applying for, starting with most recent. It is important to showcase where you may have up-skilled or could bring new knowledge to the organisation.
References Available on Request
It is fine to list references are available on request if you are not comfortable disclosing your referees until further into the recruitment process. It is important to make sure you have them readily available and contactable when requested.
Top 5 Tips
- Use the right keywords to ensure your CV is picked up in word searches.
- Explain any gaps in your CV, and be sure to highlight the skills that you have developed.
- Don’t include acronyms or organisation related terminology.
- Include two forms of contact; email and cell phone number.
- Ensure you check your CV thoroughly for any spelling and grammar errors.
CONTACT:
072 2467 647; info@thewrightrecruitment.co.za
www.thewrightrecruitment.co.za
Facebook @thewrightrecruitment; LinkedIn Hayley Wright
Special Offer
Quote “The Crest” and pay only an 8% placement fee on all new specs given with a three-month guarantee period! Candidates: get your professional CV compiled and your LinkedIn profile updated or created – both for only R250!