TOP TIPS

TOP 10 CV TIPS


  1. Showcase why you are the best person for the job. 
    - Make every point relevant.
    - Ensure all “must have” skills and experience highlighted in the job description/specification are covered in your CV.
  2. Choose the CV type that will maximise the impact of your application. 
    Consider whether to opt for a Chronological, Hybrid or Skills-Led CV.
  3. Focus on Achievements.
    - Avoid producing a job description.
    - Each point needs to sell you in some way and have a result / business benefit attached to it.
    - Provide enough information to whet the reader’s appetite and ensure you leave them wanting more.
  4. Optimise for the ATS (Applicant Tracking System).
    - Establish which skills/keywords are required and ensure they are prominent in your CV.
    - Ensure your CV appeals to both the human eye and the ATS. 
  5. Presentation is crucial. The best content can be let down by poor layout. 
    - Avoid tables, colour, logos, photos, and fancy fonts as they interfere with the ATS and you risk your CV not being found.
    - Bullet points lends itself to a reader-friendly document.
    - Use bold and italics to highlight key points and skills, but use sparingly. Too much of something can become overbearing and appear arrogant.
    - White space is important; allow for generous margins.
    - Keep spacing and style consistent.
    - Use headings throughout.
  6. Order of information. 
    Present the most relevant information first. Rule of thumb is:
    - For first-time job seekers this will be Education and Educational Achievements.
    - For those with more experience, this will be Areas of Expertise and Work History. 
  7. Keep it clear, concise, and focused.
    - Sentences should be short and punchy; no longer than two lines.
    - Paragraphs should be no longer than three/four lines.
    - Do not use three words when one will do.
    - Begin sentences with a result, followed by how it was achieved.
  8. Do not undersell or oversell yourself.
  9. Language.
    - CVs should always be written in the first person but omit ‘I’ altogether.
    - Avoid using complicated words, acronyms, or company jargon. Your CV should appeal to the widest audience.
    - Vary your words and phrases as repetition reduces the impact of your CV.
  10. Typos, Spelling and Grammatical errors are the biggest mistake you can make.
    - Just one and you risk your reader moving to the next one.
    - Read and reread your CV. Ask a family member or friend to proofread your document. read.

TOP 10 COVER LETTER TIPS

 

  1. Your cover letter should be an extension of your CV not a repetition.
    It should expand on information provided in your CV and add additional information relevant to the position.
  2. Personalise your letter.
    Your letter must be personally addressed to the reader. If you want someone to spend time reading your letter, afford them with the same courtesy by showing that you have taken the time to research the correct addressee. 
  3. It must be well constructed and reader friendly.
    - Make reference to the vacancy being applied for.
    - Construct as a standard business letter with your name, address and contact number.    
    - Do not be tempted to use headers of personal logos.    
    - Keep the tone professional.    
    - Keep concise; no longer than one page of four / five paragraphs with a maximum of 200 words.          
  4. Address the criteria that the position advertises.
    - Keep content relevant and as targeted as possible.
    - Quickly explain what you have to offer.
    - Summarise your experience, skills and achievements relevant to the role being applied for.
  5. Add some personality to your application and introduce yourself as an individual.
    A cover letter should be less formal than a CV and affords you the chance to add a personal touch.
  6. Instil your passion for the company and role, plus the business benefit of hiring you.
    - Demonstrate an understanding of the company's products, services and markets.
    - If you know anything about the reader’s background or achievements, express that here.    
    - Convey enthusiasm and persuade the employer that you are confident you could do a great job.
  7. Reason for writing.
    It needs to be clear in terms of its purpose.
    In the case of a speculative approach, it is imperative to specify what kind of role you are looking for and in what department.
  8. Detail why you are appropriate for the role and a good fit for the company.
  9. Wow your audience with unique selling points and/or impressive achievements.
  10. Triple check your cover letter for typos and grammatical errors.

 

TOP 10 LINKEDIN TIPS

5 Steps to Optimising Your LinkedIn Profile GET NOW
  1. Choose a professional, recent photograph that looks like you. A head and shoulder shot with a neutral background is best. Dress professionally and smile. Your face should take up 60% of the frame.
  2. A background photo or banner will grab people’s attention and help you and out. Choose something appropriate and that fits well with your personal brand and career aspirations.
  3. Your Headline is vital. This is an opportunity to tell others what you have to offer, explains what you do, and what makes you tick.
  4. The About section is an opportunity to share your story and journey in a personal way. Write in the first person and bring to life those skills/achievements that matter. Inject some personality into your summary; keep it memorable but professional.
  5. Keywords are key – identify those keywords and phrases that are relevant to your target job or career aspirations. Avoid listing a string of soft skills like hardworking, innovative, and reliable. Focus more on technical skills. These will help you be found and will improve your LinkedIn ranking.
  6. List your core skills to validate your experience and match with your Headline and About sections. Taking a skills assessment validates a skill and improves your chances of being hired.
  7. Attach documents and case studies to help you stand out. Is there anything you can create or repurpose?
  8. Manage endorsements proactively. Some may skew the emphasis of who you are and what you are looking for.
  9. Recommendations/personal testimonials provide people with a visual sense of what you are valued for. 
  10. Follow relevant influencers as this adds interesting content in your feed, which can be shared with others to demonstrate passion for what you do.
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