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Career Centre > The perfect CV

Make an impression and win an interview

When your CV hits the desk of a potential employer or recruiter, you have exactly two minutes (if you’re lucky) to create that all-important, interview-winning impression.

Getting yourself onto the interview shortlist is the main purpose of your CV. It’s the only part of the job-seeking process you can control, so it’s important to make it count. Make sure your CV is accurate, easy to read and has no spelling mistakes. Present a clear and concise document that encourages the reader to take a closer look at your skills, experience and key achievements, and paints you in the best possible light.

Guidelines

There are no absolutes when it comes to putting together a CV, only general guidelines. Perhaps the most important rule of all is that you are comfortable with the final document as you’ll be asked questions about it in an interview and you must feel confident about it.

Here are a few CV writing tips:

• Use a maximum of two sides.
• Use good quality, plain paper.
• Use a minimum font size of 11 points.
• Keep the layout professional and uncluttered.
• Don’t justify the text. A justified document looks mass-produced. An un-justified document is easier to read and more visually interesting.
• Limit paragraphs to five or six lines.
• Use bullet points to add clarity.
• Avoid awkward changes in tense and use the past tense where possible. It gives the impression you have actually completed something. Goals have been achieved.
• Use short sentences. Short sentences are easy to read. Short sentences are more powerful.
• Use a spell checker. Spelling mistakes signal you are inattentive to detail.
• Be positive. This is a selling document. Use words that have impact: 'managed' is stronger than 'supervised', 'negotiated' is stronger than 'facilitated'.
• Be honest. You might be asked to explain or justify any aspect of your CV.
• Employers are interested in your most recent experience, so start with it. Avoid gaps in your employment and education.
• Don’t include your salary. The best time to talk about this is at the end of the selection process when the employer wants you and you can negotiate from a position of strength.

Structure is important

How should you set out your CV? We’ve provided some sample CV templates with suggested layouts.

Always get someone else to proofread your CV and ask for his or her comments. Remember, you have to be confident that your CV really reflects your accomplishments and you’ll be able to talk through it if you’re invited for an interview.

For further help with preparing your CV or to have your present one vetted by an expert career consultant use our free financial career advice line.