6 Easy Ways To Improve Your CV
So you’re stuck writing your CV. If you’re running out of inspiration, perhaps it’s time to take a step back and look methodically at your CV. We suggest you follow the 6 easy steps below:
- Undertake a self-assessment
- Perform an analysis of the job specification
- Identifty your main selling points
- Decide on an appropriate CV format
- Think carefully about your language and layout
- Check your CV for software compatibility/corruption
Our free 5 Minute CV Guide will help you answer those questions and you can get started by reading the introduction below but, if you’d like one-to-one help with your CV from someone who knows the IT industry and speaks to IT Managers regularly, why not request a free consultation?
We’ve over 8 years’ experience kick-starting over 1500 IT careers with the Network Professional Programme. This unique blend of career support, technical training and recruitment (with a £16-25k Job Guarantee) will give you extensive one-to-one coaching in all aspects of securing your IT jobs, train you in industry recognised IT certifications (MCSE, CCNA, A+ and more) and help you get valuable experience through our Work Placement Scheme. At the end of this fast-track course, you’ll get a £16-25k Guaranteed Job in IT.
So, lets get to work on your CV…
6 Easy Ways To Improve Your CV
1. Undertake A Self Assessment:
Here you need to think about what roles you are looking to apply for. For most of you they will be around Technical Support i.e., 1st line support, helpdesk, support engineer. You therefore need to think about what skills the organisations will be looking for. For example, good communication skills will be essential. Do you have any examples through your own experiences that can reflect this on your CV? If you think along these lines you will be heading in the right direction.
2. Perform An Analysis Of The Job Specification:
The primary aim of a CV is to get you an interview. Tailor your CV to the job for which you’re applying. This means before writing anything you MUST research the job role in question. Remember, every sentence on your CV should fulfil a purpose.
3. Identify Your Main Selling Points:
Make a list of 10 strengths. These are your selling points that you need to highlight on your CV. Alongside these provide specific examples of why you think they are your strengths – these should be related to your work history, the training course you are completing, your academic background and your hobbies and interests.
4. Decide On An Appropriate Format:
It is important to think about the style that your CV will take. A simple format is on most occasions the best to stick to. Your CV will look professional and easier to read therefore making the employers life a lot easier.
5. Make A Careful Choice of Language and Layout:
Remember to refer to yourself in the first person – “I” and not “your name”. Think about putting your strengths on the first page. For most of you this will be your education and qualifications, but those of you with extensive IT employment then this would be your selling point. Also remember to include a personal profile at the beginning of you CV – a summary of what you can offer an organisation will make them read on further.
6. Check Your CV For Software Compatibility/Corruption
Before you start sending out your CV make sure you get someone else to proof read it. They may notice grammatical and spelling mistakes that you haven’t picked up on. If you are sending out hard copies then go for a heavy, high-quality paper in white possibly with a grain. If you’re sending out your CV as an e-mail attachment, ensure that the recipient accepts attachments and has the correct software to open it. Send it to a friend to check the CV can be received without corruptions.
It is important to amend your CV depending on the type of role you are applying for. If you are not receiving any positive feedback after two to three weeks of applying then you should take another look at your CV to see if you can make any amendments that may sell you better.
What Next?
Writing a good CV isn’t difficult but it does require careful planning and a bit of guidance from the experts. You can get more tips and a discover the common pitfalls of CV writing by downloading our 5 minute guide to improving your CV. This comprehensive but straight-forward guide will put you well on your way to job hunting success!
