The CV Mentor, a boutique career consultancy, share with Gillian Waddell 5 easy ways to improve your Resumé.

How to boost your job prospects? / Photo Credit: pexels.com

Great news for job seekers! Did you know that according to latest UK statistics there is a shortage of candidates? Employers can now expect to pay more to acquire the right staff. http://www.onrec.com/news/statistics-and-trends/2016-uk-recruitment-trend-predictions

What this means is that strong applicants are now in the driving seat when it comes to filling posts.
But – are you fully prepared to take advantage of this environment to maximise your next career move?

Of all the tools needed to make a successful change to a new job, a strong Curriculum Vitae/Resumé is probably the most important. Whether you are a school leaver, a student, returning to the work place after time out, or changing jobs, you need a document that will put you at the top of the pile when an employer is selecting people for interview.

One of the fundamental errors people make when writing their CV (and this is compounded by the advice on some career web sites) is to view it simply as a list of activities. Rather, you should consider your CV as a sales prospectus with you as the product and the employer as the buyer. Recruiters are time pressed and have short attention spans so your document needs to grab their attention and interest in a very short space of time.

To help you on your way to a great CV here are some top tips:

1. Start by creating a “database about you”. Make a list of everything you have done or experienced – school university, previous jobs, voluntary work, internships, sports team, etc. and think about what you learned from them, what skills you gained, or what you achieved. Add to the mix any capabilities or knowledge or expertise you have (languages, IT, communication, business start up, etc.) You will then select the key items for your CV from this master list.

2. Use simple language with strong positive vocabulary (e.g. achieved, learned, demonstrated, responsible for, established, managed, contributed, developed, coached)

3. If you are a new, or recent, arrival on the job market – keep it to a single page.

4. There is no absolute rule about the headings and content of a CV but in general most CVs will contain the following in some form or other. For anybody whose career is underway the major focus will be on their Career section. For students or recent arrivals there will be more emphasis on Education and Other Achievements.

· Name and Contact Details

· Summary Profile (which has to be specific not just generic claims of ability)

· Education and Qualifications

· Skills/Competencies

· Work Experience (if you are a student these can be sub-divided into Voluntary, Paid for)

· Career (for those already in full time work)

· Other Achievements and Interests

5. Make sure that you can back up every statement you make – if you get to interview stage you may be asked to do this

If you are struggling to get started – don’t worry, as you are not alone! Most people find writing themselves up in a positive, truthful and convincing way very hard. But there is help out there and it’s affordable. If you would like hand-holding and tuition in getting your CV into great shape then contact us at The CV Mentor. For more information visit our Facebook page or simply email thecvmentordca@gmail.com . We are a boutique career consultancy who will provide you with personalised mentoring and career advice for as little as £75.

Watch this blog for other job-seeking tips!

For more information contact The CV Mentor at thecvmentordca@gmail.com or Gillian Waddell at Fuel PR.