Creating a CV that Stands Out

6 seconds!!! That is all it takes for your CV to get reviewed and rejected – and we estimate that will be down to 2 seconds as soon as AI is involved. Don’t let your CV be the one that gets missed – follow our advice and get your cv noticed!!

At Appointments Personnel, we’ve spent over 25 years helping local people get their dream jobs. Our MD, Emma, and our founder, Kerry, live and breathe the local job market, so trust us, we know that writing a CV is daunting, but having a well-thought-out CV could make the difference between getting an interview for the job of your dreams or not.

So, here are our top tips to help you write a killer CV, so that lands you on the ‘yes’ pile!

1. Use Headers and Bullet Points

Have you ever tried to absorb three or four large paragraphs of information whilst attempting to pick out key pieces of information? Difficult, isn’t it?

So, use well-placed headers and bullet points to highlight your key skills, qualifications, and experiences so that they jump of the page.

2. Structure Your CV

Organize your CV with these key headers:

• Your Name and Contact Information
• Personal Statement
• Skills
• Previous Roles and Dates
• Qualifications and Training

Under these headings, use bullet points for the most relevant information. Bold your previous employer’s company name and job title to make them stand out. If you’re a more mature candidate, place your experience before your qualifications.

3. Tailor Your CV

One size doesn’t fit all, especially when it comes to CVs. Show you’ve put in the effort by tailoring your CV to each job you apply for. Generic CVs show a lack of effort. Highlight your skills, experiences and qualifications that match the job description.

4. Key Dos and Don’ts

Dos:

• List Roles in Reverse Chronological Order: Start with your most recent job and explain any gaps in employment.
• Proofread: No typos or grammatical errors, please! Double-check or get a friend to proofread your CV.
• Use Plain English: Write clearly and concisely, avoiding jargon.
• Include Relevant Hobbies: Show some personality and align your hobbies with the company’s values.

Don’ts:

• Over-detail Previous Roles: Focus on accomplishments, not boring tasks.
• Over-share Personal Details: Only include essential contact information. Avoid unnecessary details to avoid discrimination.
• State Salary Expectations: You could be selling yourself short or be requesting far more than the employer has in their budget for the role, so it’s best to discuss the package when the time is right.
• Include References: Provide references only when requested. Think about it, how would your current employer feel if they received a reference request out of the blue and you hadn’t even been offered the job?
• Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Write your personal statement last. It should be a concise summary of why you are ideal for the job. Sell yourself!

Download our CV template that is guaranteed to get you noticed!

Best of luck with your job search!

Kerry and Emma