First and foremost, clarity. Black ink on a plain background (white or beige) works best. Think of the effect that outrageous paint schemes has on a house buyer- the same thing goes for your CV
CV content. Start with your name and contact details, namely your full address, telephone number(s) and email address (private if at all possible). Avoid email addresses with funky terms- plain is absolutely the best- get a new gmail account if you need one
Your CV profile or career objective is one and the same thing. A short paragraph of a couple of sentences showing what you can do, for whom, in what sector of industry. The purpose of the profile is to engage the reader to carry on reading more. Given that you have about 20 seconds to get a recruiters attention, getting your profile right is just about the single most important thing to get right on your professional CV
Your career history is the meat in the sandwich. This must show what you have achieved, i.e. be achievement focused rather that responsibility focused. Employers are looking to see what you can do for them. There simply is no better way to demonstrate this that by describing quantified achievements. Avoid describing responsibilities- they are far less important and employers expect you to have carried out your responsibilities anyway
Professional and Educational qualifications are two completely different things. A professional CV writer will separate out these two different qualifications to make it easier for an employer to look at your vocational and your educational qualifications. This is a subtle, yet important component of a professional CV
Finalizing your CV with the interests and hobbies section is an often overlooked but very significant part of the CV. Please tell the absolute truth in all your CV but in this section it is of even more importance. An employer may just bring you in to interview as they are curious about your hobby. Make absolutely sure then that you are conversant with it- you will look pretty silly being asked questions about tropical fish if you don't actually keep them!
Gaps in your career stand out like the proverbial sore thumb. Recruiters are trained to look out for them and almost above everything else on your CV, having a gap will at least ask a question in the employers mind. Your job with your CV is to answer questions before the need for the question to be raised. Don't be a rookie, be professional and explain your career gaps
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About the author: Glenn Hughes is the managing director and director of a cv writing services business based in the UK. A cv writer can really increase your chances of getting a better job