March 12, 2014 - Written by: Beth Teverson

How to Pimp Your CV

So I’m a temp. I have no idea in what direction my life is going so I decided not to commit to anything long term and actually it’s worked out pretty well. A few weeks ago I was working at a building surveyor company, the next I was working at BMW.

This week I was actually working at the company that recruited me. I had to place people, call people, deal with bookings – boy oh boy was it scary at first! Plus I adopted a higher tempo voice with a slight hint of Essex. Weird.

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Now I’m not proclaiming myself as the master of all CV writing but I found it incredibly frustrating going through SO MANY CVs that all make the same mistakes.

But I understand, as I was (and still am) in a position where you just don’t really know how to write one. No one has the time to give you feedback. We’re all in the same boat. I must’ve read through about 300 CVs this week and man did I learn a lot I thought I’d share some tips.

1. Keep it short but sweet.

The first person to look over your CV will spend (on average) 10 seconds in deciding whether you are right for the job. Don’t tell stories and use bullet points where you can.

2. Show don’t tell.

I don’t care how much of a motivated and conscientious worker you are. What I will care about is your experience and your skills. Prove your worth through your experience.

3. The structure of your CV is essential.

Always put your work experience first, making it bold and clear. It should say your role, employer, date and a brief outline of what you did. If you have a personal statement section make it as minimal as you can.

4. Explain the gaps.

But don’t waffle on about how much you learnt picking grapes in your GAP YARH.

5. Don’t write in 3^rd person.

“Derek is always presentable and is passionate about administration…” It just sounds weird.

6. Make sure the email address you give is as professional as possible.

Peaches_n_cream69@hotmail.com and BigdaddyK@gmail.com are absolutely not appropriate.

7. Don’t put a picture on it.

Unless you’re applying for a bar job or a promotion-like job.

8. Have different CVs for different types of jobs.

Don’t use the same CV for a researcher assistant at channel 4 as you used for the local pub.

9. Constantly update it.

And always things you can actively be doing to improve it- like volunteer work.

10. Look out for typos.

I DON’T GIVE A FIG ABOUT YOUR HOBBIES AND INTERESTS OR MARITAL STATUS.

11. Don’t shout the obvious.

“I have an appetite for work.” Are you kidding me?

Obviously everyone has their own style so try and make it a bit more personal to you, tell the truth, think about why you’re applying for the job. It might well just be the money but chances are it’s because you are really interested in the company.

Just don’t say you’re passionate – ‘cos it sounds really lame.

Oh the ironies of recruitment.

Happy CVing!

Tags: CV graduate jobs Joy temping unemployment