Career Advice

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Essential CV Writing Tips and Interview Advice for Job Seekers

 At Gerrard White, we are dedicated to helping you advance your career with expert CV tips and comprehensive interview advice. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting out, this career advice guide will help you write a standout CV, prepare for successful job interviews, and improve your overall job search strategy.

Read on for essential career tips on what to do and what not to do when applying for your next job!

CV Writing Tips: How to Write a Professional CV

Creating a strong CV is one of the most important steps in landing your next role. Follow these CV writing tips to make a great first impression on potential employers and increase your chances of getting an interview.

What to Do

• Tailor Your CV: Every hiring company and job advert is different, with different skill, experience and qualification requirements. It is essential to tailor your CV for each job application to highlight your relevant skills and experience that match the job description to show why you're the best fit for the role and the company.

• Keep it Concise: A professional CV should ideally be no longer than two pages. Focus on your most important achievements and accomplishments and keep it clear and to the point.

• Use Action Verbs: Include dynamic action words and language such as "managed," "implemented," "designed," or "led" to make your CV more compelling.

• Quantify Achievements: Where you can, include measurable results such as “Increased sales by 15%” or “Reduced project costs by 10%.” Quantifiable metrics show what you have delivered and will catch the employer’s attention.

• Use a Clean Format: Make sure your CV is easy to read. Use clear headings, bullet points, and consistent font style and size for a professional look.

• Highlight Core Sections: Prioritise your work experience, skills, and education. Mention any certifications or qualifications that add value to the job.

• Proofread Your CV: Read and re-read your CV to check for any grammar or spelling errors. A well-written CV free of mistakes shows attention to detail and will fare better than a CV ridden with basic errors. It may be helpful to get another person to review your CV to check for mistakes that you may miss.

What NOT to Do:

• Don’t Include Unnecessary Personal Details: Leave out information such as age, marital status, and photographs unless required by the employer or on the job advert.

• Avoid Using Jargon: Keep your language professional and clear. Avoid overly technical terms unless they are relevant for the role that you are applying for.

• Don’t List Generic Skills: Instead of vague statements like "hard-working" or "team player," use specific examples that demonstrate how you've applied these skills.

• Skip the “References Available on Request”: It’s generally assumed you will provide references when asked, so there's no need to include this statement.