A CV That Opens The Door

A CV That Opens Doors

Your CV has to be able to impress within the space of about ten seconds. If it doesn't the recruitment agent will hit the ‘delete' button. For an average contract position several hopeful contractors will send their details through. See our useful CV Help, Hints & Tips guide to make sure you shine.

Present your CV in the best possible light, and don't just have one version. You should tailor bespoke CVs for each contract role you apply for. Don't settle for anything but a perfectly presented, convincing document that shows you in the best possible light for the job. This document is your marketing department!

‘Cut' and ‘Throat'

The contract market is very competitive. Each contract vacancy turns into a tough competition - are you ready?

Your CV is a ‘sales' document. It needs to show your uniqueness & suitability for the given contract role. See our guide New to Contracting for more information.

You might be good at fixing widgets but what are you like at presentation & comprehension? A single mistake could rule you out of the running.

CV - Top Tips

James Innes, Managing Director of the CV Centre

Maximise Readability

1. Separate different sections and include clear section headings
2. Avoid long paragraphs; use bullet points. It should be eye-catching and uncluttered
3. Check spelling & grammar
   Include a Professional Profile & Objective
   Summarise & emphasise your key skills, plus your intended future career path
4. Avoid cliché and gratuitous hyperbole
5. Spark the reader's interest
6. Learn to ‘pitch' yourself in under ten lines
   If you can include an ‘Achievements' section then it can make a significant difference to the pulling-power of your CV
7. Show what you have achieved - and imply that you will achieve similar results in the future

Concise and To-the-Point

1. Be informative - be concise
2. In general, two A4 pages is a maximum
3. Only include information which will actually help to sell you
4. Recruiters don't want to waste time reading details irrelevant to your ability to fulfil the contract role

Reversion Your CV

1. Tailor your CV according to the specific contract vacancy for which you are applying
2. Whilst many people use a general CV designed to suit any position they are applying for, greater success can always be achieved by tailoring your CV according to the needs of the specific role to which you are applying
3. After your interview your CV is still working hard acting as a refresher for your skills whenever the agent reads it
4. Even if you're shortlisted to one of 5 you don't want to be the next CV to be eliminated