When embarking on a job search, your CV is paramount. It serves as your initial introduction to potential employers, making it vital to ensure your CV is clear, easy to follow, and directly relevant to the position you are pursuing. While each CV is unique in showcasing the set of skills that make you a suitable candidate, they all adhere to a similar structure. Here is a guide to the essential sections your CV should have:

Personal Details

Begin your CV with a well-organised section containing your personal details. This should consist of your full name, contact telephone number, email address, and postal address. Accuracy is crucial here, as incorrect details may lead to delays in your consultant’s ability to reach out to you regarding potential opportunities.

Professional Experience

Your work history should be presented in a chronological order, commencing with your current or most recent employment. For each role, include the job title, employer, employment dates, and location. Following this, provide a concise summary outlining your responsibilities, duties, and noteworthy achievements during your tenure.

Qualifications and Training

Include a comprehensive list of your qualifications and relevant professional body memberships, complete with membership numbers. Arrange your qualifications chronologically, commencing with the most recent. Ensure you cover essential details such as the course or training program’s title, dates, educational institution, and the qualification gained.

Formatting and Length

Given employers’ limited time to review CVs, your document should strike a balance between being concise and informative. While the average UK CV spans two to three A4 pages, this is a guideline, and certain professions may warrant a more detailed account. If you find your CV overly lengthy, consider re-evaluating the layout and the relevance of the information provided to the target job.

Style

It is easiest to use MS Word or a similar programme to write your CV. Minimise the use of text boxes or tables and ensure that headings are bold and easily legible. To maintain a professional appearance, refrain from decorative fonts and opt for clear, easily readable options such as Calibri or Arial in 11 or 12-point size. Always conduct a thorough proofread and consider seeking a friend or family member’s assistance to ensure your CV is free of spelling or grammatical errors and remains easily read.

It is advisable to save your CV as a straightforward Word or PDF document, as this format ensures easy access for both your consultant and potential employers.

Further Assistance

Should you encounter challenges while writing your CV, don’t hesitate to reach out to Pertemps Professional Recruitment. Our specialist consultants are ready to provide expert guidance and assistance.