10-08-2010, 01:26 PM
Improve your CV
If your CV looks a bit thin and sad, try some of our quick tips to make it stand out in that pile.
Make the most of it
Start by making the most of whatever you've already done. If you keep your CV stored on a disc or computer, you'll have the flexibility to tailor it slightly to each job you're applying for. There's only so much room you can use on a page, so if you're after a job in a sector where you have relevant experience, it makes sense to add more detail to your work experience section, and cut text from less relevant sections elsewhere.
Try not to undervalue the things you've done before. So what if you were just working part-time in a crappy restaurant making pizzas all summer? You actually learned about teamwork, customer service, punctuality, and health and safety while you were there. That sounds better than, "oh, I was just making fast food".
Use strong language
It isn't just what you say, it's how you say it too. Make yourself sound dynamic, even if you aren't feeling particularly lively at the moment. Use phrases that make you sound active rather than passive, don't say: "I attended training", say "I took part in extra training." Words and phrases that stand out on CVs are ones such as 'organised', 'responsible for', 'planned', and so on.
Do something new
If your resume is still looking a bit thin and weedy, and the interviews aren't due for a while, you could get out there and gain some more experience to bulk it out a bit. Try signing up for some volunteer work nearby (try www.do-it.org.uk) and get cracking. You might not be able to sort out a classy internship in a short period of time, but you could arrange a day or two of work-shadowing with a local employer.
Failing that, you could sign up for a little extra training and learn some new tricks. For example, certain software packages can often be learned in two-day courses, and won't necessarily break the bank.
Don't be too bland
If you're relatively young, employers don't expect you to have a jam-packed CV, so yours will probably look like many others. Don't try to look too corporate, and be completely bland. Let a couple of interesting facts about yourself go onto the pages and let your personality show through a little. If you're right for the job, or your words just catch the selector's eye, you'll be in with a better chance.
But don't think that gives you the right to use ridiculous fonts or brightly-coloured paper. And don't tell them that you spend every waking moment watching TV or playing fighting-fantasy roleplays - even if you do.