To be confused about CVs?

[Bugsymalonemumof2]

I'm trying to write my CV, I have never written one before and Google is a contradictory minefield so I'm beyond confused.

What are the dos and donts?

Keep it short ish, 2 pages max.

Most recent stuff first e.g. work history
Then qualifications as appropriate.
Then any specific skills e.g. if you've done specific computing skills/packages or lab skills or whatever. Not sure if skills bit is relevant for non technical jobs, but that's what I'm usually applying for!

I usually stick a personal interests bit, advice I've read is not to put dull sounding stuff like reading or going out, but try to include interesting things that make you stand out if possible.

Don'ts I've read:

Don't include age/sex unless somehow specified.
Don't include earliest school qualifications in detail of you have college/university courses to list (e.g put x GCSEs at grades y to z or similar b instead of the whole list)
Don't gloss over CV gaps, put a short reason e.g career break.

Oh and check all the spelling and punctuation thoroughly, get someone to read it if you can.

Rework it to match each job you're applying for: stress the skills and experience each job is looking for rather than a generic one cv fits all.

And boast! You are selling yourself so don't be coy!!!

I'm currently sitting a mountain of them as my tips:

No more than two pages but no career gaps, it's fine to list your old jobs just as title, company and dates, and give more detail to your last few positions.

Don't bother with the personal stuff. It's guff and no one cares.

If you've got a degree, don't put your GCSEs on. High water qualifications only. If you do put them on, keep it short. Just say "3 A Levels at A-B" or "9 GCSEs at A*-C" or whatever

Plenty of templates on reed etc to help you

Spelling and grammar check please. It's very off putting to see lots of typos, especially for a role where written communication is needed.

Personal statement should be contextualised to the role you are applying for, and a short paragraph showing how you are suitable for the role. Not an essay.

2 sides of A4 in size 11 or 12 font. I've seen CVs that require a magnifying glass because the writer has wanted to meet the 2 page limit without cutting content.

Layout/order is not that important as long as it's logical and easy to follow. Mine is:

• Personal statement
• Employment history - newest role first, bullet pointed with most detail in roles that best suit the one I'm applying for, the best just very short detail around key activities that apply to the role I'm applying for.
• Qualifications: summarised to something like - 11 GCSEs Grades A&B inc Maths and English, 2 AS levels, 3 A Levels, DipHE.
• References: "available on request"

I have a master CV with lots of bullet points under every job I have done, it's about 6 pages long. I then chop out the most appropriate bits and have a different CV for any job I apply for.

CV library has some helpful templates. Assuming you’re in the U.K. avoid American templates. If you’re looking to work in a particular sector google CVs for that sector.

www.cv-library.co.uk/career-advice/cv/cv-templates/

It may depend what kind of job you R applying for, how you should best format it.

Print it on pink paper. Spray perfume on it before putting in the envelope. Put glitter in the envelope. You can't lose

@Bugsymalonemumof2 there is a lot of contradictory advice online. I'm updating my CV at the moment. I've used Reed's CV and covering letter advice as a starting point to draft my CV.

Further to PP's comments, consistent use of tense and person - simple past, 1st person and removal of pronouns.

Reed offer a free CV critique provided by a third party, Top CV. I've used it and just reviewing my feedback. They have used an Applicant Tracking System (automated software) to review my CV - my CV screams doer rather than achiever! I need to use more action verbs. Yet comparing the verbs I used to those listed on their verb page, I have done so! It was useful, but I think their trying to encourage me to use their professional CV writing service. Worth doing for feedback but bear in mind they want people to use their expert service (starting at £99).

@DerelictWreck re the CVs your reviewing, are the employment histories task-based or achievement-based? Do you have a preference? I've kept mine task-based and used achievements to exemplify my skills section/brief mention in my personal statement section. I'm disinclined to switch to achievement-based as I may be leaving off key skills an employer would value if I don't have a quantifiable achievement.

Include a list of achievements, whatever is appropriate to the role, eg saving money or bringing in more money, reducing customer complaints, improving efficiency etc.

You can google for 'strong' verbs to use, such as led, delivered, implemented etc.

Don’t put a photo on it.