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Your CV only has about 20 seconds to make an impression on a potential employer. So you’ll need to give the reader a reason to keep reading right away. Follow our tips for an un-put-down-able CV that’s sure to land you an interview.
1 . We’re in the creative industry, so don’t be afraid to inject your CV with a bit of flair. But remember the keyword: tasteful. Keep it simple and readable.
2. If you don’t have a profile at the beginning of your CV, put one in. A well written profile will grab the reader by the scruff of the neck and keeps them interested. Be sure to avoid jargon or stock statements (see tip 3) and keep it to about 50 words, ensuring it summarises your goals and professional attributes.
Example: “After spending 5 years in IT arguing with computers, I decided to make a change to copywriting. I’m currently at a leading email marketing agency, writing campaigns for our diverse client list where I’ve helped lift open rates by an average of 10% across the board. I now feel it’s time to move up to a position with greater challenges.”
3. Avoid using the same tired statements everyone else does. Every employer has had to wade through a stack of CVs with sentences like: “I’m a team player.” That kind of thing is bound to make your CV blend in with the rest. Try something like: “My co-workers can always rely on my support, whether that’s helping them smash a deadline or buying a round on Friday night.”
4. Your CV is a marketing tool, so you need to make sure you include all your USPs (Unique Selling Points). Be sure to communicate your skills as benefit statements. It’s not about duties, it’s about accomplishments.
Boring: “Experienced copywriter” Good: “Copywriter with extensive experience creating highly effective and targeted communications.” Better: “Experienced copywriter whose grasp of effective communicating has helped raise email open rates for my current employer by over 10%”
5. It sounds obvious but be sure to check your spelling and grammar. So many CVs have been thrown back on the pile because of an errant “their” instead of “they’re”. Spell checkers will only pick up so much. Read it out loud to yourself once finished until you’re sure it’s correct.
6. Keep it short - two pages maximum. Any longer and you risk boring the reader. If you’re struggling to cut it down, remember – you only need to include relevant experience. An employer should be able to glance at your CV and pick up key points easily. If it’s not something that will entice the potential employer into giving you an interview, cut it. Which leads into our next point.
7. Don’t use the same CV for all jobs. When you’re applying for a new position, get hold of the job spec and make sure you tailor your skills and experience to match the employer’s wish list.
Now that you’ve put together an interview winning CV / Portfolio, let’s start searching for creative jobs, marketing jobs, design jobs, event jobs and PR jobs now. If you want some more advice on CV / Portfolios, drop us a line here. Back to Career Clinic.
