CV Writing Examples

Searching for the best CV writing examples can be challenging as a winning CV is very important if you intend to get a job quickly but you will need to be organised. A winning CV is in need of a specific kind of writing style. Best selling author, Sarah Berry, has shared her CV writing advice in her best selling book, Write a Perfect CV in a Weekend: Many people continue to use the identical CV format for years despite the fact that it doesn’t provide results for them..

You have undoubtedly heard it all before and you may well even think that your present CV is pretty good anyway. Many things have changed in the last few years regarding CVs most notably the change to loading and searching for your CV online. You may be straight out of college or university and searching for your new job or mid-career and seeking a change in job or career move, either way to are seeking to generate employment leads and opportunities. Job selection is always down to how you sell yourself on paper. Are you selling the benefits of employing you in your CV? Have you reworded your CV or just revamped it? Have you taken time to update your CV writing skills taking into account the latest transformations in the employment market?

It is important not to make obvious mistakes in your CV, for instance spelling mistakes, but it is much more important to get the structure and content right in the first place. They may not seem like much to worry about, but when you think that most personnel managers get hundreds of applications for one job, it’s obvious that a good CV can make the ultimate difference. Take time to develop your CV before rushing on to apply for jobs. Spend time now rather than face disappointment in the future. Adopt the right approach from the beginning. Your CV and the quality of your CV are key to the future success of your applications. You may not want to hear this but it is the truth!

What are the most common mistakes people make when writing a CV?

Try and avoid the most common mistake listed below; if you have any questions or feel unsure whether you have included everything in your CV, why not get Career Consultants to assess your CV? If you can avoid the glaring goofs, your CV will stand out for all the right reasons.

Not targeting the CV towards the job in question

Ten years ago it was alright to have a one-size-fits-all approach to your CV, but with today’s more competitive job market, what’s needed is a ‘couture’ CV that you can update and alter to highlight the ways you can benefit each particular company. A standard CV says, ‘I need a job, help me’; a couture CV and covering letter says, ‘I love your company, you have a problem and I am the one to solve it’. Promoting your benefits within your CV will help to bring your CV to the attention of the employer.

Not answering the questions posed by the ad

It is too easy to skip the questions because you are in a rush or you want to see if you can get away with not doing it. It is a risky strategy to rely upon selling yourself purely at the interview. It is advisable to promote your benefits in your CV. Read through the ad and notice the employer’s subtle requests. What can you sell in terms of your personality? What capabilities are needed for this job? Has the employer asked for specific factual requirements? Have you identified them in your CV? Does your CV answer all of the prospective employer’s requests? Giving too much information. How long is your CV? The ideal length is two to three pages and one page for the covering letter. If you have just left college you will have less to say, but don’t pad your CV out with waffle. One page of useful information is undoubtedly worth far more than two pages of irrelevant facts.

Having things in the wrong order

It is best to make your personal details section highly visible and concise. Make sure that it is easy for the prospective employer to contact you. Your skills must be prominent and focused on what you have to offer the company. Focus on selling how you can benefit the organization rather than just listing things out in minute detail. Realise that if your CV sells what you have to offer and underpins your experience, knowledge and education it is more likely to be of interest to the employer.

Droning on at length about your education

How long is your education section? Are you in doubt about your skills and expertise so you have listed out every qualification you have ever gained?

Too much detail about hobbies

Hobbies don’t need to go on your CV. Why would your employer be interested in what you do in your spare time?

Take one last look at your CV

Does it sell your benefits to the prospective employers? Does it read like an proposal rather than just a long list of past achievements? Will it help you to secure a new position? Do you feel that your CV sells how you can add value to an organization? Please CLICK HERE for a professional CV review.

CV Writing Guidelines