Five Tips For Creating a CV That Stands Out From the Crowd

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by: David Martin
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Word Count: 508
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 Time: 11:13 PM
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Taking the time to make sure that your CV is up to scratch is an absolutely vital step in the pursuit of your dream job. You could be hugely qualified for a role but if your CV is poorly presented then it's going to end up in the recruiter's bin. Whether you're applying directly or via an agency, give yourself every chance of landing an interview by ensuring your CV is a cut above the rest.

Tailor to your chosen sector

Don't fall into the trap of simply listing your previous roles in a very matter of fact way. You need to tailor your CV to the sector that you're looking to break in to - so if you're applying for marketing jobs then you'll want to talk up the marketing aspects of your previous roles, even if that wasn't the major focus of the job. By demonstrating that you have direct experience in the area you're applying for you'll instantly make a recruiter sit up and take notice - something you'll miss out on if you simply leave relevant details as a footnote.

Keep it truthful

This one's simple: don't lie on your CV. Ever. While it might be tempting to improve an exam result here or a degree classification there in order to improve your chances of landing a job, there's a good chance you'll get pulled up on it. Not every company checks qualifications but many do - and it's just not worth the risk. Even if you are offered the job it doesn't mean you've got away with it; many workplaces class lying about qualifications as gross misconduct so you'll be in line for dismissal should they ever find out.

Be concise

Fight the temptation to try and cram in as much positive information as possible if it means your CV ends up running to several pages. Yes, you want to let prospective employers know that you're right for their company but a clear, concise CV with just the pertinent information is what you want to be aiming for. The interview is the right time to talk yourself up.

Stay on top of things

Put the effort in to keep your CV updated as time goes by. Sending out an old version with information that isn't fully up-to-date will not be looked upon kindly by prospective employers. It's also important that your spelling and grammar are spot on so proof read your CV - and then get a friend or family member to look over it too just to be safe.

Avoid confusion

If your previous roles included work involving technical terms or acronyms, spell them out. Don't assume that the recruiter is an expert in every field you've ever worked with so be clear about where your experience lies otherwise you risk being overlooked.

About the Author

If you are looking for employment in sales recruitment or marketing then you can find a great selection of marketing jobs with BMS.