I am often staggered at the quality of CVs I read and how some people ‘cobble’ together a CV.  A lot about working in marketing is about an eye for detail, so I am surprised when I see CV’s that have poor grammar, bad spacing and the content is weak.

So here are a few tips on creating a CV and avoiding common mistakes.
 Firstly lets remind ourselves that a Curriculum Vitae or CV is summarised as a chronological summary of your academic awards and work experience. The ultimate goal of a CV is to get you an interview for the job you have applied for! Nothing more nothing less!
The basic style and layout should begin with Personal details first, a ‘Summary’ of achievements, work experience, qualifications, extra- curricula activity and finally interests.

Style and layout are important and my tips are as follows: -

•    Use a ‘modern’ font – but not too modern
•    Use a point size that is legible
•    Use white space
•    Keep it to a page a decade (for every decade you have been on the planet you are allowed a page on your CV!)
•    Focus on achievements
•    Keep it relevant!
•    Be interesting!

Make sure your dates tally – if there are any gaps then explain what they are. Don’t put your date of birth or marital status on your CV. If you are posting it to a job board DO NOT put your full postal address. (In fact I would suggest just the area or town you live and the first part of the postcode i.e. Finchley N3). Finally make sure it is honest! Do not claim achievements that were not directly yours. The chances are in this connected world you will be found out!

I am always happy to advise people on their CVs so if you want an (possibly brutally) honest opinion of your CV drop me a line or call me!