top tips for making an ideal c.v/Resume
In regards to gaining employment, especially online your resume/C.V (short for curriculum vitae) is the most vital piece of the puzzle.
Employers nowadays are often extremely picky when it comes down to making their judgement of a candidate via their C.V and can often make a decision very quickly down to something as silly as a spelling mistake.
Simply follow these 6 simple steps to make sure you're the one to stand out when making a first impression on paper.
1.use a template.
Your C.V should stand out. This doesn't mean plastering millions of colours on a page of A4 paper.
Keeping things organised and simple can be extremely effective, but of course you want to catch the employers eye. Keeping and sticking to a small range of colours for headers and titles for example as well as including a small professional photo can really make a difference.
There are plenty of websites out there that offer a free service in helping you build a C.V!
A quick Google search will highlight plenty of these options.
2.keep it short.
Just as the title says - keep it short. This doesn't mean not inputting your competitive information but in fact making sure you don't go over board as such. Stick by the short rule of keeping your C.V ideally 2 pages in length ensuring you hit the spots when it comes to highlighting your strengths.
3.Don't be generic - update your c.v regularly.
Being generic can cause some upsets. You may find if it's too obvious you're handing your C.V out in bulk that in can put some employers off. Tailoring your C.V to the industry in which the job you are apply for can give you an edge. This will show the employer that you've gone the extra mile and that you take the vacancy seriously.
In addition to this make sure you up date your C.V regularly, cheekily inputting the date your C.V was last updated in the file name. (For Example: Curriculum vitae October 2018.doc)
4.tell the truth.
Seeing as everybody lies on their C.V you may as well too... NO! Don't even think about it! Lying on your C.V can not only cause a whole load of problems - nobody likes a liar! All lies will soon be exposed once a company checks your background or asks for a reference. What's worse than getting caught out in an interview when you are asked a question in which you have no idea where to start with an answer.
5.Don't Leave gaps.
Employers can become very suspicious when it comes to spotting gaps in somebody's C.V!
Leaving a gap in your employment history or education often leaves the mind to wonder what it is you may be hiding. If it means you've taken time off travelling or have had some time spent unemployed... state it.
Stating you've been unemployed doesn't always have to be a negative! Swing it around and tell the employer about that amazing charity work you carried out or the fun and interesting hobby you took up. Just remember to keep it short.
6.use good English and avoid jargon.
Using good English and checking for spelling or grammar mistakes is essential. Make sure to use 'spell check' and/or ask a friend/family member to look over your work.
Avoid at all costs using jargon and text language. It doesn't go down well. Using phrases such as 'm8' or 'u' can make you look instantly incapable of carrying out a given task.
It's okay if you struggle with English - just ask a friend to help you!
m8
