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Writing a CV in a digital age

The internet is the current communication media of choice, which most of us now rely upon on a daily basis. Like it or loathe it, there's no denying that it gives us a conveniently instant means of communicating professionally. However, we often pay a price when we press the 'send' button that bit too soon, which is often the case when submitting a CV for a job.

Your CV is as important as your front-door key, but gets as much attention as the boot of your car. A CV is your first connection with a hiring manager, so should be given your full attention if you want them to give it theirs.

With a poorly constructed CV, you could find yourself rejected at the first hurdle and without an interview. The following hints and tips will hopefully ensure that your CV gets to the top of the pile.

To start with, consider the layout of your CV. The front page should have your name at the top with contact information, degree and professional qualifications. There should be a profile paragraph highlighting what sort of work you're looking for and the key skills you have and then some key achievements.

Make sure you quantify the dimensions of your achievements to make them meaningful and that your real strengths shine through, especially those where you've contributed significantly and made a real difference.

You can then move on to your career history. Cover the last ten years of work, starting with the most recent, but be mindful that the recruiting manager is only likely to be interested in the last five years, so make sure you focus on your most recent positions. If you set the details out like this, your interview will be driven by your most relevant experience for the role.

As you're pulling things together, be sure to check and re-read your CV several times, making sure it sounds interesting and "to the point". Too much information can be overwhelming, especially if the recruiter has received 100 applications for a job. Focus on quality, not quantity, as too much information about a job suggests a lack of focus and that you're unsure on what the most significant elements are.

If you'd like some further advice on CV writing, contact our Senior Qualified & Executive specialist consultant, John Phillips, on 0161 835 8759.