Hints and Tips on Writing Your CV
Our Head of HR, Catriona Paton, gives some advice on how to make your CV stand out.
Your CV is Your Sales Pitch
First and foremost always remember that your CV is your chance to sell yourself. Think of it as a marketing exercise rather than a list creation exercise.
How would a company sell their product to you? They wouldn't give you a drab long list of all the technical features, they draw out the key benefits their product brings you and find an exciting, engaging easy to absorb way to convey their message.
Be Brave
Show your personality either in your personal statement, cover letter or hobbies. Certainly at SIMUL8 Corporation we appreciate and want people with personality.
One of the best CVs I've read took a real gamble by setting out their own personal philosophy on how to treat customers. It just so happened it matched our company attitude perfectly, we didn't even read any of the rest of their CV we got them in for an interview straight away.
Don't Make it Too Technical
Even if you're applying for a technical position try to make your CV understandable by a non-technical person. Most of the time it's going to be someone from HR who reads your CV first not a fellow technical guru.
Give to a friend or family member who knows nothing about what you do. If they can understand it then someone from HR should be able to.
Pay Attention to the Details
Don't make silly mistakes with spelling or grammar, that's what spell checkers are for! Check all your dates and make sure they match up, if there's a gap explain why. If you make silly mistakes with your CV then we assume you lack attention to detail, we don't want to employ anyone like that so it will go straight in the bin!
Tailor It
Don't just send out the same CV again and again. Tailor your CV to the job you're applying for, at the very least make sure your covering letter is written specifically for the role. Mention keywords or attributes that were in the job advert. Say why this job appeals to you and what you think you'll bring to the role. Make us believe it's this job you want not just any job.
