Welcome to part two of our three-part series: Tips to Securing Your Ideal Job. Throughout this series, our Accounting and Finance team will be going back to the basics for job seekers. In part 1 Conor Martin shared his tips for changing roles, which you can read here. This week Lauren is taking us through the essential CV Checklist!
When it comes to writing a CV, it can be quite a daunting experience, especially when you have no clue where to even start. In all honestly, there is not one right approach, no one-size-fits-all method. However, the below tips and tricks are something to keep in mind in order to give you the best chance when you’re looking for the next step in your career.
Your Curriculum Vitae is the first impression a potential employer gets of you. It's your chance to showcase your skills, experience, and personality in a concise and impactful way. Sending out a generic CV to multiple jobs might save you time, but it won't impress the hiring managers. Don’t forget to take the time to tailor your CV to the specific job you are applying for. Identify the key skills and qualifications the employer is looking for and highlight them in your CV. Align your experience and achievements with the job requirements in order to showcase why you're the perfect fit for this role.
Hiring managers often have to sift through numerous CVs, in a short space of time, so make sure yours is easy to digest. Your CV should be punchy and easy to read. Use clear, concise language and bullet points, making sure to avoid lengthy paragraphs. Having a well-structured CV is crucial so use headings like "Summary/Personal Profile," "Education," "Work Experience," "Skills," and "Hobbies & Interests." This allows the reader to navigate through your CV quickly, efficiently and in a simple manner.
Detail, detail, detail. When it comes to your work experience, don’t just add job titles and dates, it’s so important to provide as much detail as possible regarding your day-to-day role and responsibilities. Go into detail about your daily duties, projects you've handled, and accomplishments.
Less is more when it comes to the overall design of your CV - format, layout and additional frills. Refrain from using corporate logos, flashy fonts, or excessive colours and stick to a clean and professional format. Use a standard font like Arial or Times New Roman and maintain consistent spacing and alignment throughout the document. Remember, the content is what matters most. On that note, don’t be afraid to have a CV that spreads across 1, 2 or more pages. There's no hard and fast rule about CV length, as long as all the information is relevant, clear and concise, adding value to your application.
Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors can leave a bad taste in a hiring manager's mouth so always proofread your CV multiple times before sending. Use spelling and grammar-checking tools and ask a friend or family member to review it as well. A p
olished and error-free CV shows your attention to detail and professionalism, two required attributes in order for you to succeed in any role.
In conclusion, writing an outstanding CV requires time, effort, and attention to detail. By tailoring your CV to the specific job, focusing on impactful content, and presenting it in a clean and organized manner, you increase your chances of catching the Hiring Manager’s eye and securing your dream job.
Here at Fortis Recruitment, our Accounting & Finance Team offers exclusive one-to-one CV Clinics and we’re here to help you on your professional journey from start to finish. Book your free slot today!
