Getting a CV up to scratch is an important part of job
hunting. Not only is it the first hurdle of the process, it is also the key
factor in attracting an employer’s attention. So, what should it contain?
Despite what many career websites say, there is no ’perfect’ template. Different sectors may require a different emphasis on a different aspect of the content. It is all dependent on the particular role you’re applying for. For example, a practical role would require an emphasis on career history but a candidate applying for an academic role would highlight their gained qualifications.
However, experts suggest all candidates should follow these basic rules when creating a CV:
1. Type it up
Employers will expect you to word process your CV. This is a
much neater way of presenting your work and generally looks a lot more
professional.
2.
Keep it short
Preferably no more than two sides of A4. Your CV should be
clear and concise, stressing both achievements and strengths.
3.
The basic
format for a CV includes:
·
Personal details: including name, address,
phone number, and email address. If you have a relevant online blog, don’t
forget to add the URL. You no longer need to include your date of birth, owing
to age discrimination rules.
·
Career history: record your most recent job
first. Include dates and temporary or voluntary jobs if and where appropriate.
·
A personal profile which sells you and your
qualities, tailored towards the job you are applying for. You should also
include a covering letter.
·
Achievements from previous jobs that are
relevant and which highlight your strengths.
·
Qualifications and training from previous
jobs, with the most recent first.
·
Interests if they are relevant and especially
if the skills or teamwork concerned are relevant for the job.
·
Any extra information, such as reasons for a
career change or reasons for gaps in career history, such as caring duties or
long term travels.
·
References: ideally two or more and including a
recent employer.
Make sure that you keep font and formatting basic. Fancy
font and tables can hinder your CV by taking the attention away from your
achievements and qualifications.
4.
How do
you avoid making mistakes on your CV?
Most employers will agree that poor spelling is one of the
quickest and sure-fire ways of getting rejected from a role. It may seem
unfair, particularly if you are a bad speller, but these costly mistakes can be
avoided.
Why not ask a friend or relative who is a competent speller,
to check over your work for you? This way, you can be sure that you haven’t
made any mistakes and you will feel a little more confident once you’ve hit
‘send’. At Agenda, we offer a free CV review service, so why not ask an expert
to cast an eye over your CV. Check out our website for a free CV
review: http://www.agendalifesciences.com/cv-review
5.
How do
you adjust your CV to suit that
particular role?
According to career buffs, you should search the internet
for inspiration. Find adverts for similar roles and work your CV around them. This
doesn’t mean that you should do a ‘copy and paste job’ because the likelihood
is; the employers have seen this kind of thing before and binned CVs because of
it. Just doing your research is always going to stand you in good stead - be it
for your CV, your interview and your general knowledge.
For advice about roles within life sciences and animal research, contact Agenda Resource Management
on 08456 44 55 45, or email us at jobs@agenda-rm.co.uk. 