Tips for Writing a CV

Follow the instructions on the job advertisement

Often CV’s and Cover Letters are requested in a particular file format (e.g., word or PDF). If you don’t follow the application instructions, it is very likely your application will be relegated to the bottom.

Keep it brief!

Studies show that recruiters will generally scan a CV for an average of 7.4 seconds.

CV’s that succeed in capturing recruiters’ attention feature simple layouts, with clear sections and heading titles.

Give more attention to your most recent roles, and less about the distant past (unless they genuinely add value to the role you are applying for).

Use Key Words

Many employers are now using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to assist in the shortlisting of applicants. This is basically software that scans your CV and Cover Letter for matching keywords to ensure that you are a potential match for the job before sending the application through to HR or the Hiring Manager for review.

If you want to successfully get through the ATS so that your CV can be viewed by a ‘human’, then you will need to incorporate key words that show you meet the job requirements.

Hobbies & Interests

This is your chance to show some personality, and can add value to an applicatiion, particularly if they are relevant to the job. For example, if you are applying for a position with DOC, and enjoy tramping, then it’s very relevant to include this under Interests.

Hobbies and interests can show many things such as discipline (training for a marathon), team player (member of a team) or leadership skills (coaching a sports team).

BEWARE however of including any interests and hobbies that can be seen as controversial, or that could be disadvantageous to your application if the reader disagrees with the cause. Discrimination is illegal, but it’s awfully hard to prove, so be very careful about what you’re willing to risk and how strongly you feel about your beliefs and causes before you decide to list them on your CV.

Education & Qualifications

Unless you are a recent graduate, you should list your education after your experience. Chances are that your most recent job (or even several jobs) is far more important and relevant to you getting the job as opposed to where you completed your secondary or tertiary education.

You should also list the most recent or advanced qualification first and then work backwards in reverse chronological order. However, don’t feel you have to include the dates – particularly if it was some time ago.

No qualifications? List any training courses, seminars, or conferences and re-title this section to ‘Professional Development’.

While formal qualifications can certainly be important, they are far from the only way to demonstrate your learning or stand in the way of your success. You need only refer to Bill Gates or Richard Branson as an example of this.