These are our top tips for creating a CV, why not review your CV today?

Be concise - Make it easy to read and look good, to do so keep it simple. Simple formats work best. Avoid unusual fonts, columns, tables. Many companies use ATS systems these days which can find more complex CV's difficult to read. A simple CV format will help put you at the forefront of some of these systems.

Be unique - Stand out. Your CV should demonstrate your unique skillset and experience. Avoid clichés and back up your qualities with clear and meaningful examples which you believe make you an ideal candidate.

Avoid typing errors such as spelling mistakes, dates which conflict with one another and incorrect email address and phone number. If writing in another language, be very careful with using online translation tools which can often be far too literal, leaving employers puzzled, amused and completely lost in translation!

Format correctly - remember quality not quantity! One or two full pages are an ideal length and should allow you plenty of room to include all your relevant information efficiently. Structure your CV neatly, clearly and chronologically, perhaps including bullet points for key points and white borders around paragraphs to ensure it’s easy to read, as well as concise.

Make sure that your CV is regularly updated, employers like to see recent experience and you may have gained more relevant skills for the job you are applying for. Also make sure to keep your account updated if you have registered with a jobboard as many employers will consider accounts with no activity for 3+ months to be non active, therefore not available for work.

Don’t be negative, avoid any criticisms of past or present employers, or mention any difficult periods in your career history. Your CV needs to be very positive.

Quantify your language skills – native level, fluent, intermediate or basic and be honest! If you are using a Europass CV format please also describe your language skills as above as some employers may not be aware of the certification meaning, or will use keywords when searching which these grades may bypass. If you have used your languages within a role make this clear on your CV.

Highlight your overseas experience. After your trip or a period abroad, you should write down all the qualities you think you’ve developed over the past few months. Through each of these personal qualities, you can certainly exemplify an advantage to your professional outline.

Many of our clients will source our CV Database to find potential employees so it is important that when you register with us you do include an up-to-date CV too. You could be missing out on the perfect opportunity!