According to UK job search stats 2022 recruiters spend between 6-8 seconds looking at a CV! With the highest increase (185.3%) of jobs posted since the pandemic and 9.8 million employed Brits actively job hunting each day, it’s more important than ever to make your CV stand out.
It has been reported that 98% of large organisations use automated systems to scan CVs, so you want to make sure you have keywords related to the job you are applying for in the body of your CV.
Lets start with the basics!
How do I start writing my CV?
Let’s face it; writing a CV can be a daunting task. If you need some help, have a look online at examples of CVs. Find a good template to help with what you should be adding and where.
Your CV should only contain information relevant to your potential employer. So that means, what should be in your CV can differ per application. However, the bare minimum of details on your CV should at least include:
• Personal details
Of course, your new employers should be able to contact you for a job interview. Therefore, you always start by mentioning your full name and email address and mobile phone number. Also mention your place of residence and address, as an employer might prefer an employee living nearby. In case a driver’s licence is required for the role, also mention it. In case you have a representative LinkedIn profile or personal website, you can include a link to it in the personal details section.
• Personal statement or CV profile
Most modern CVs include a short introductory paragraph called personal statement or profile. In this paragraph, which is read by most recruiters, you will get the chance to sell yourself in a few sentences; the kind of role you are looking for, your qualities and ambitions.
• Work experience
In an a-chronological order, list your latest work experience. Start with your latest job and continue with the jobs you worked at before. Per job, give a short clear summary of your tasks, responsibilities and skills. Tip: try and list skills and responsibilities most relevant to the role you’re applying for!
• Education
Just like the previous overview of work experience, start with your last study or highest level of education. Also name the school or institution where you studied, the starting date and date of graduation.
• Competencies and skills
All jobs are different of course. However, during your career, you gain competencies and skills which are transferable. These strong personal traits are gained through experience and will help you execute any other job more efficiently.
• Courses and work-related training
Some employers offer courses or training to improve certain skills of their employees. If you have undertaken any and they’ve improved your skills or competencies that are relevant for the job you’re applying for, make sure to include them.
• Activities
You can also gain certain skills and competencies in a non-professional setting. For instance, by doing voluntary work as a coach, trainer or accountant for a club or organisation. If you have done these activities during your study, they are referred to as an extracurricular activity. Make sure to list them including the skills you gained.
Now you have the basics you want to make sure your CV is geared towards what the employer wants to see. For Finance candidates they want to see what programmes you have used; if you’re proficient in Excel, any relevant qualifications and training.
If you follow all my advice above, you will create a CV that will stand out to employers. Remember to keep it concise and 2 pages maximum.
Making sure your CV is looking at its best is just one of the many things we do for our candidates. Get in touch today with Jo and Shelley in our Cheshire office to discuss your CV and our current opportunities!
By Shelley Gilchrist, Recruitment Resourcer for Eventus Finance and Eventus Recruitment Cheshire
About the Eventus Recruitment Group
Here at the Eventus Recruitment Group, we believe that happiness at work is essential for everyone. We offer realistic, honest and straight forward advice to enhance your career. Our specalists can help you to find your next opportunity at no cost to you as a candidate. We recruit for all roles within the Legal, HR, Finance and Accountancy sectors. To view our latest jobs, please click here.
We also support you in applying for jobs through finding suitable roles that fit your requirements and skills, CV writing and preparing you for interviews. Get in touch for a confidential discussion about your career.
All our recruitment consultants are experienced and are experts in their fields. Working with integrity and confidentiality, they will dedicate time to getting to know you and finding the perfect job for you.
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Statistics from StandOutCv, 2022.