Steps to success

Double check it

You have written your CV and are getting ready to send it off to your ideal vacancy... stop!!! Take a few moments and double check the following points.

Have you had it proofread?

Ask someone you trust to proofread the CV for typographical errors, mis-spellings and poor grammar - don't rely on just a spellchecker!

How long is the cv?

It is usually best to try and keep your CV to two pages of A4, unless someone specifically asks you for a longer CV.

Is your CV well organised?

Make sure that an employer can follow the CV and build up a picture of your skills and experience quickly and easily. Make sure you have tailored the CV to the job you are applying for. The key points they are searching for will be listed in the job description / advert so if you have this knowledge / experience put it in the CV!

Is the CV layout clear?

Long paragraphs and long sentences can put off a recruiter so use bullet points and punchy sentences to get your message across.

You will need to send a cover letter when applying to a vacancy directly. Make sure this cover letter gives the reason why you are applying for the role, your suitability and that you ask for a response. Don't go into too much detail as that's the role of the CV, just whet their appetite! If you are posting the CV make sure it goes first class.