CV Writing

An employer’s very first impression of you will be based on your CV, so it is crucial for you to take time and care over its content and presentation.

Presentation

Companies such as FDM receive hundreds of CVs every day and only a select few will be read from start to finish. Most employers need to be able to spot the right candidates within the first 10 seconds of scanning their CV. For this reason your CV must be clear, concise and relevant.

Use a bold font to emphasise key sections such as headings and stick to a standard font/size. Your CV should be between 2 and 4 pages, depending on the amount of related experience you have. All the information should be kept concise and relevant, avoiding long sentences.

The most common headings you should consider using are: personal details, employment history, education/qualifications, achievements and key skills. Some individuals may include other short sections such as languages or hobbies/interests.

Content

It is important to remember that your CV is a promotional marketing tool created to ’sell yourself’ to potential employers, and like all marketing tools, it should be targeted. Do not forget to amend your CV for each job you apply to. You may want to take out parts that aren’t relevant and add in points that are, and may also benefit from altering your personal statement and most certainly your cover letter.

Ensure there are no spelling or grammar mistakes in the document and do not use unnecessary abbreviations. It is often hard to spot mistakes in your own writing, so we suggest you also ask a friend to check it over.

Providing examples to justify your statements is extremely important. This will enable the employer to see what you have learned from your experiences and will give you the chance to portray the competencies they are looking for. When writing your CV, remember to keep two questions in mind; what can I offer, and how can I back this up?

Interested in FDM Academy? Check your suitability and apply today!