CV tips for job seekers

In a busy jobs market like the one we are currently experiencing, competition for roles is higher than ever and so differentiating plays an integral part in getting the job you really want. By Tammy Smith of AFR Consulting.

The CV is the crucial starting point, it is the first representation of you to an employer or recruiter and so you should be completely happy with it.

It is a tricky balancing act between keeping it brief and to the point whilst really selling yourself, your experience and skills.

AFR host workshops for candidates on CV writing and some of our top tips are below:List career history, educational achievements and qualifications in reverse chronological order – current or latest first – and always explain any gapsList achievements and responsibilities – including more detail on the most recent and relevant. Include computer skills, languages, training, and any relevant awardsAvoid superfluous, personal stuff like; age, religion, sexQuantify your achievements: Don’t just say “Reduced costs”, “Increased efficiency”, for example, always give tangible evidence of your skills and competencies. Describe the job or task you did, and then back up with demonstrable and quantifiable results.Don’t write in the first person – start sentences with verbs “developed; generated; reduced; exceeded; invented; rejuvenated”Avoid jargon and the use of too many acronymsKeep your hobbies & interests to a minimum – consider relevanceReferees can be provided on request – consider testimonials on LinkedinUse relevant job specs as a guide to what of your experience is most relevant and highlight accordingly.Something else which we strongly recommend for our candidates is building a strong Linkedin profile – it is a tool which is becoming increasingly well used by recruiters and companies recruiting with financial services is in the top three professions using it.

At AFR when we register a candidate we check and format CVs into a standard template before presenting them to a client but it is still important to remember that you need to make a good impression from the off, as we will be representing other candidates as well and you want to stand out.