CV tips from a professional career coach

How to write a brilliant CV

As a career coach with over 15 years’ experience, I’ve seen everything. From students to executives and everyone inbetween; some CVs are good, some are bad and some are… just plain ugly.

But regardless of the job you’re trying to secure, the level you’re pitching at, or the industry you’re in, there are some tried and trusted tips and techniques you should adopt when writing or updating your CV.

Here’s my video guide packed full of CV tips to impress and stand out – along with a sneaky peak at my own CV so you can see how to put it all into practice.

Main purpose of a CV

• To land an interview – that’s it!

How to create a high impact CV

• Sell yourself “above the fold” – in the first half of your CV

• Match your skills, achievements and personality to the job description

• Attract and excite the recruiter

• “Less is more” – keep it concise

• Focus on achievements, rather than job duties

Use action verbs

Tailor your CV for the role

• Know your audience

• Align your achievements, skills and project outcomes to their needs

• Use industry keywords

Design and layout tips

• 2 pages maximum

• Keep fonts and styles consistent

• Use subheadings and bullet points

• Be cautious with colour

• Functional v chronological v combination

Summary:

• Are you making an impact within 30 seconds?

• Is your CV achievement based?

• Do you use active verbs rather than passive?

Hire me to review your CV

I’d love to meet you, whether by Skype, or in person at my office in Pangbourne (near Reading) in Berkshire. Together, we can get you where you want to be in your career.

Email: helen.slingsby@careerbreakthrough.co.uk