New Year. New You. New Job?
January marks a fresh start for people and a time for change. Whilst many may vow to improve their fitness or travel more, for some this can mean a change in workplace, career or industry.
For those looking to make a change and boost their career prospects in 2020, the preparation for change usually starts with updating their CV which is of paramount importance in any job search. For many this can be the most daunting part and in a competitive jobs market you really need something that will make you stand out from the crowd.
So how do you get yourself noticed? How will you secure that dream job? We’ve put together a helpful guide on how to write a CV that’s ready for 2020 and beyond!
How should I present my CV?
- Keep it simple – Your choice of font and layout are key to making sure any potential employer continues reading your CV. Simple works best. Make sure your contact details are listed and up to date. If you have an email address that would be deemed unprofessional, create a new one dedicated to your job search. It takes a matter of minutes to create an email address and could be the difference between being offered an interview or not. Choose a clear, professional font to ensure that your CV can be easily read. Lay it out in a logical order with clear section headings.
Personal Statement
The first thing that’s shown on your CV, so make it count. It should explain who you are, what you’re offering in terms of skills and what you’re looking for in your next challenge. Aim to prove why you’re suitable for the position you’re applying for in one short paragraph. It can be tempting to add what we consider to be great personality traits, for example; team player, passionate, motivated, bubbly. Whilst these are great attributes, try to avoid using clichés and only use traits that truly define you.
Work History
This section should include all of your relevant work experience and should start with the most recent first. Include your job title, the name of the organisation you worked for, how long you were there for, and your key responsibilities. We recommend adopting a bullet point style to list your duties making sure you are being as informative as possible.
Education
Your educational experience and achievements should be listed along with dates, the type of qualification you received and the grade you achieved.
Hobbies and Interests
You don’t need to include hobbies on your CV if you don’t want to and you certainly don’t have to list ‘socialising with friends’ as an interest if it really isn’t. Mentioning relevant interests could help you stand out from the crowd and reiterate that you’re the right person for the job. It could also give you something to talk about should you be invited to interview.
Remember to update your CV regularly
Applying for a role with an old CV may look unprofessional and unorganised. Make sure that yours is regularly updated with relevant skills and experience so employers can easily identify that you’re the right candidate for the job. Every job you apply for may be looking for something different so don’t be afraid to edit your CV each time you apply for a new vacancy to ensure it is tailored to each job specification.
Proof-read and then proof-read again
This refers to spelling mistakes, dates which conflict with one another and incorrect email address and phone number. Avoid errors at all costs. This sounds like an obvious one but so many candidates fall at this hurdle. We suggest getting a fresh pair of eyes to review your handy work so why not ask a friend or family member to read over your CV before you submit any application.
Want more CV advice or to discuss current vacancies? Let Mosaic Recruitment help you to secure your dream job this year.
Contact the Mosaic Recruitment office on 01279 780 000 or email your details to info@mosaic-recruitment.com.