SQLRecruitment

My team and I have been reviewing more CVs than you can shake a stick at recently for the roles we are trying to fill. This is a list of the top 10 things that make your CV work for you,

1.      Don't make it too long.
3 pages is a good size. I get board easily.

2.      Don't try to get to point 1 by using 5pt font.
I don't want to have to use a magnifying glass

3.      Don't spend too much time on what the company does.
I want to know about you not the company

4.      Don't use terms (TLAs etc) that are specific to the company.
I won't know what they mean.

5.      Cover your employment in reverse order. i.e. current job first.
I get bored easily I might not make it to the bottom

6.      Highlight keys terms.
This allows me to focus on the areas of the CV that would interest me.

7.      Have more than one CV if going for different roles.
Makes sure that I think you are what I am after, and not a jack of all trades.

8.      Sell yourself.
Always have a blurb that makes you the best person for the job you want. Don't forget to do point 6.

9.      Don't lie.
Its not worth it.

10.  Avoid lists of technologies and years experience.
Its a bugger to maintain and doesn't add a huge amount of value. 

The bottom line is make it readable and easy to scan. What is easier to read a large article in a broad sheet newspaper that has many paragraphs or a small article in a tabloid that covers 1 column.The reason is that the latter requires little commitment and concentration, you can read it and don't have a chance to get bored.

The same applies to a CV. If I have to read every line of a CV to find out what you have been doing then I will get board and probably reject your CV.

Other posts on CVs can be found here How to make your CV stand out and CVS for IT jobs