10 Tips for a Perfect CV

10 Tips for a Perfect CV

1. Use a CV writing service. View your CV as an investment, if you can afford it you should consult with a professional CV writing service. A professional service should be able to target your CV to a specific industry and job role, a targeted CV worded to catch the employer’s attention will significantly reduce the time it takes to find employment. If you can’t afford a full CV writing service, templates for targeted CVs are included in the Secrets of Employment E-book.

2. Have your CV appraised for free. A CV appraisal is normally a free service and can be a good opportunity to test out different companies services. When sending your CV for a review ensure that you explain what job role your CV is being used to apply for. Once you receive the appraisal, don’t be afraid to ask any additional questions about their comments or suggestions.

3. CVs should be a maximum of two pages. A little bit of information that is often told but not always adhered to! Most employers only spend 30 seconds skimming through your CV looking for certain criteria, having a CV that is 4 pages long makes this job more difficult. Keep your CV brief and to the point, remember the CV is designed to gain you an interview. It is during the interview that you can recount the nitty gritty details of your vast employment history.

4. Break up the CV text. Employers can receive up to 300 applications for every advertised job – an arduous task for the most committed recruiter! Using Headings, Shadings, Bold, Bullet Points to break up the CV text, making it easier for the employer to read or “skim” through.

5. Use Font size 11 or 12. A simple but often overlooked detail - The text has to be easy to read, employers can spend all day reading CV’s – lets make it easy for them! If you’re struggling to fit the text on one or two pages, use font size 11 but no less. Avoid the use of unusual fonts – Arial is simple and easy to read.

6. Target your CV. You need to have a targeted CV; a targeted CV is a CV written for a particular industry, job position and company. You may like to save a generic CV which can then be edited for specific roles using job specifications and company information.

7. Always send a Covering Letter. Candidates may spend hours on their CV only to undo all their good work by neglecting to enclose with it a Covering Letter. Research undertaken by Employment King indicates that many companies will not even read CVs that are received without a Covering Letter. Some CV writing services offer free Covering Letter letter templates with every CV.

8. CV text should be concise and to the point. An easy mistake to be made with CVs is the temptation to include masses of information, CVs are more difficult to reduce then they are to increase. Everything you have undertaken in your working life is a selling point, on the CV you need to intrigue the employer, leave them wanting to know more. Include around 3 bullet points for each job and start by recording the duties you did that are need for this new role.

9. Match your skills. Once you have applied to a job advert, most employers will send you a job specification. Read the job specification and highlight the “Essential Criteria” these are the main skills the employers is seeking. This criteria must be visible in your CV or you shall not secure an interview. It goes without saying, record that you have these skills on your CV, this way you have nearly guaranteed yourself an interview.

10. Feedback. Remember - there is no failure, only feedback. If your CV does not secure you interviews, you need to change it either yourself or through a CV review service such that provided by Employment King. You should not be afraid to ask employers for feedback, this is considered to be a standard part of the application process and can stand you in good stead for future applications and how you can make yourself even more employable.

The 10 Myths of Employment

The 10 Myths of Employment

1. If you are offered a job you should discontinue your job search. You should always continue to apply for jobs until you receive an offer of employment in writing. You may be offered a job verbally only to have the offer retracted a few days later due to funding issues or review of the requirement for another employee. Ensure that you request an offer of employment in writing and continue to job search until you receive it.

2. An employer cannot dismiss you without a valid reason, whilst you are on your probationary period. This is a common misconception! Your employer is essentially viewing this period as a trial run, monitoring your progress to see if they have picked the right person for the job. Ensure that you have been truthful about your abilities during the application process, if you have been misleading about your capabilities you will often be asked to leave the company. An employer can dismiss you at any point during your probationary period without a valid reason.

3. Most jobs are advertised on job search engines. The internet is a great and quick way to job search, but employers often avoid using these if they can to avoid hefty advertising fees. You will find more vacancies by looking at Company websites, local newspaper jobs sections and other media, as well as using job search engines. Use a mixture of job searches to find the largest number of suitable vacancies.

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4. Interviewing shall be carried out in a face to face environment. Recruitment systems have had a dramatic overhaul over the last 10 years; employers now use a wide range of interview styles and find the right member of staff. Interview formats and mediums vary from one organisation to another- webcam interviews, group interviews, telephone interviews, panel interviews to include a few. Some employers may require the completion of an ICT, Literacy or Numeracy test or you may be asked to carry out a short presentation. This information should be provided in your interview pack – if not then ask! Employers use a wide range of interviews to ensure you have the essential criteria needed for each individual job role.

5. Employers can give you a bad reference. Employers can refuse to give you a reference, unless your contract states that they have to, which is often the case in the financial industry. If an employer provides a reference they are legally bound to ensure its accuracy so they will often tread carefully in their wording. Employers can often highlight areas for development without explicitly saying so, for example praising your ability to keep the organisation informed when you are sick through a number of mediums of communication – it doesn’t take much for a potential future employer to read between the lines with this. An employer has to give an accurate reference that they can back up if challenged.

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6. All employers check if you have a criminal record. Many application forms require you to disclose whether you have any criminal convictions. However not all companies require the completion of this type of form. Only in certain industries will you require a full Criminal Records Bureau Check, mainly in occupations working with vulnerable people. Many employers from a wide range of industries will not ask you if you have a criminal record.

7. You need to choose a career for life. The job market is constantly changing with new sectors developing all the time. There are many jobs available today that did not exist 10 years ago. On average people stay in one company for around 3 years and then move on to a better role or company. The days of having a “safe job” or “job for life” have gone. You need to pick a career that suits your personality type, this way you will work in an industry that you will enjoy.

8. Employers cannot discriminate on job adverts. In most cases it is unlawful to discriminate negatively or positively against a certain category of people. However there are lawful exceptions, for example a Women’s Hostel may seek to recruit a female Support Worker due to Safeguarding, although it should specify exemption from The Discrimination Act of 1995 on the job advert. Companies have to follow equal opportunity regulations, but in some cases employers can legally discriminate on job adverts.

9. You cannot return to education if you’re over 25. I’m always surprised when I hear people say that they think they can’t return to college due to their age, this is often down to the belief that you can’t change your career ideas. If your under 19 yrs old your college course will be funded for you, when over 19 yrs depending if you are claiming benefits you will have to fund the course yourself-you can do this by applying for a student loan or grant. Anyone can return to education at any age.

10. I can’t turn my hobby into a job. The secret to having a good job and career, is to do something you enjoy - would you like to be paid to do your hobby? Most of us would say yes, first you need to think about what your hobby would be like if you did as a full time job, would you still enjoy doing it 5 days a week? Also, there tends to be additional duties when a hobby becomes a job -would you still enjoy your hobby with additional responsibilities? Today there is a wide range of job opportunities and specialist jobs and everyone can turn a hobby into a type of job. Many people also choose to use the internet as a way of making money from their job. The possibilities are endless; turning your hobby into a job takes time, commitment and passion, but can easily be done.

10 tips when posting your CV online against fraud

I am often asked “Can I be a victim of fraud by posting my CV on the web?” The answer is “Yes!”

On average, criminals committing identify fraud only need 3 out of 15 pieces of information, don’t let your online CV give criminals a chance to commit identity fraud.

As job hunters are keen to gain employment, many do not think twice about giving companies the information they request. How do you know if the company you are applying to actually exist?

Criminals can easily advertise for a bogus job just to gain your private information, I even seen one job advert asking for fee for the company to accept your CV.

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Protect yourself from CV ID Fraud

1. Google the company name, gain contact details and check if the company exist


2. Be wary with e-mail addresses not containing the company name (some criminals will advertise a fake vacancy for a real company)


3. Ensure your details have not been saved on a computer desktop or in document files, when using public computers and internet cafes


4. Don’t leave your paper CV lying about in public places, shred any CVs before throwing them away

While job searching on the internet is a great way to find employment, especially when you can upload your CV onto employment websites, you first need to ensure you do not give to much personal details away.

Good CV hosting websites will not show employers your personal information without your consent.

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Your CV should show your skills and qualities, once an employer is interested they can request a full CV and references. This is because your CV is “live” on the internet for everyone and anyone to see, unlike a paper CV which will only been read by the employer.

5. With the age discrimination act, you no longer need to record your date of birth on your CV-stopping criminals knowing your age.


6. Only give your forename and surname on your CV


7. Do not include your place of birth


8. Never record your marital status, no employer needs to know this and employers should never discriminate against people being married or single


9. You can use a telephone masking service, stopping you publishing your private phone number


10. Never give any bank details to an employer until you have a job offer in writing. Employers only need your bank details if they employ you and want to pay your wage into your bank account. Never ever put bank details on a CV.

101 Tips for Job Searchers

101 tips for job searchers

Choosing a career:

1. Pick a career that suits your personality

2. Take a personality type test to match your skills to a job role

3. Write a list of criteria you would like in your career and match these against job specifications

4. If you are unsure on your career goal visit a careers coach

5. Look at LMI articles, check which careers will be here in the future, in these changing employment times

6. Volunteer to gain experience (and to check if you enjoy the job/industry)

7. Read a job profile to find out which skills are needed for your industry

8. Become an industry expert by signing up to industry blogs, tweets, Google alerts

9. Check if you have the essential qualifications required for the position you are applying for

10. Learn industry jargon and the meaning of acronyms

Job Searching

11. Attend networking events and collect contacts

12. Sign up to industry news feed (find out which companies are recruiting or downsizing)

13. Google “industry name” and “location” for links to job adverts

14. Post your CV on job search websites and let them e-mail you vacancies

15. Sign up to several job agencies, allow the professionals to find you vacancies

16. Attend industry job fairs

17. Apply online using job search engines

18. Look in job papers and industry magazines

19. Write an action plan with SMART targets

20. Use the Secrets of Employment E-book as a guide to gaining work

21. Apply for unadvertised vacancies by sending a speculative letter and CV to companies in your industry

22. Look on company websites (under careers or jobs) for vacancies

23. Tell friends and family you are job searching

24. Use social networking sites to sell yourself and to find vacancies

25. Telephone past employers to ask if they know about any industry companies recruiting

26. Continue to job search until you gain a job offer in writing

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CV and Cover Letter

27. Write a targeted CV and cover letter

28. Always send a cover letter with your CV

29. Check your CV especially your contact details before you use it to apply for vacancies

30. Update your CV throughout your career progression, have your CV reviewed for free

31. Use the same font and font size on your CV and cover letter

32. Just record “years” on your employment history to help delete small amounts of unemployment

33. Use your cover letter as a guide to writing a speculative letter

34. Break up your CV text by using headings and bullet points

35. Edit your personal profile as a “sales profile” record what you can offer the employer-this is your selling point, the reason why they should employee you

36. Match your skills and qualities to the job specification-especially the essential criteria

37. Research the company you are apply to and record a paragraph on the company’s achievements on your covering letter

38. Send your CV as a PDF as some old computer systems will not be able to read your text on an open document

39. Only record positive achievements on both your CV and covering letter

40. Sign your covering letter

41. When e-mailing a CV, put your covering letter as the main body of the e-mail, not as an attachment

42. Inform your referees to prepare your references

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Application Form’s

43. Follow all the instructions on the application form

44. Only write using a black pen

45. Take a copy of the application form to write a mock application form, this will also help you check if your text fits into the application form boxes

46. Index all additional pages on the application form

47. When completing online application forms save a copy of your personal profile on your desk top to save time on your next application form

48. Match your personal profile to the job specification ensuring you mention all essential criteria

49. Break up your personal profile text with headings

50. As with a CV, send a covering letter with your application form

51. Check if you need to send any documents with your application form

52. Tick the disability box if you have a disability as some employers will guarantee you an interview if you meet the essential criteria

53. If you have a “spent” criminal record, tick “no” to the question “do you have a criminal record” in some industries they will ask you if you have a “spent record”

54. Never lie on an application form

55. Always sign your application form

Applying for vacancies on the telephone

56. Be prepared for a short online telephone interview (normally around 4-5 questions)

57. Stand up and smile, research has proven that your voice carries better by doing this

58. Dress for an interview as an outfit can put you into an “interview/business” frame of mind

59. Have a pen and paper ready, in case the employer passes you on any information such as an interview date

60. Prepare your CV by highlighting any selected information you want to discuss

61. Have a list of question ready-remember an interview can’t see what you have prepared on the phone

62. Complete a mock telephone interview with a friend or careers advisor

63. Have a quite room prepared (put a do not disturb sign on the door)

64. Turn off your mobile phone (use a land line to ensure you do not lose the signal)

65. Check that the room is quite from outside noise; close windows, turn of TV

Job Interviews

66. Prepare your interview clothes-first impression count

67. Complete a mock run to the interview venue

68. Take a copy of your CV to the interview in a smart looking case

69. Polish your shoes – sometimes the little things count

70. Brush your teeth, no one likes bad breath

71. Practice your interview questions and answer

72. Complete a mock interview

73. Create a list of questions to ask the interviewer

74. Never give just a “yes” or “no” answer, always back this up with the reason why

75. Only give positive answers even to negative questions

76. Shake hands and introduce yourself to the interviewer

77. Smile throughout the interview

78. Copy the interviewers body language as this creates rapport

79. Never interrupt the interviewer

80. Ask the interviewer to repeat any questions you don’t understand

81. Be prepared for a panel interview

82. Look at all interviewers when answering a question on a panel interview

83. In customer service roles be prepared for a group interview

84. During group interviews, listen to others and give your own ideas

85. Practice numeracy, literacy and ITC test as many employers use these during the interview process

86. Visualise yourself being positive in interview before the interview, creating self confidence

87. Thank the interviewer for the interview

88. Shake hands before you leave the interview

89. Be prepared for a follow up interview and be prepared to re-answer the same questions

90. Apply for a job you know you will gain an interview in even if you do not want this job, use this interview to get rid of “first interview nervous” and to practice answering interview questions

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After the interview

91. Reflect on your interview-what went well, what should I improve?

92. Write down your good answers, as preparation for your next interview

93. Follow all interviews up with a phone call if you do not hear about the outcome of the interview

94. When not successful, gain feedback from the interviewer

95. Act on the feedback given by the interviewer

96. Complete a new mock interview, now you know what questions you will be asked

97. Continue to job search until you find your ideal job role

98. Once in employment gain any relevant industry qualifications on offer

99. Gain a positive work identity (be known for being a good worker not the joker)

100. Always look forward and aim for promotions, set yourself job goals

101. Continue to network and gain relevant employment contacts

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