If you've been in a job for 10 years don't just write four lines

Get the dates right and never embellish. Most managers are hoping to hire someone who has been with their existing employer for well over a year and ideally, at least two. If you have served with your existing employer for over two years, give plenty of space when detailing your present job and its responsibilities.

Listing several places of employment on your first page will make it appear at a glance, as if you are a job hopper. If you have worked for your existing employer for over two years, don’t make the mistake of only writing four lines about the skills you currently use, the experience you have gained and the projects you have been responsible for.

Give generously to your present employment. Your present job has provided you with greater responsibility and opportunity to gain new skills than your previous one. It’s what you can do now and what you have done in the last twelve months that most people are interested in.

Push less significant employment and responsibility on to page two and allow page one to convince the reader that you’re well worth interviewing.

Educational Qualifications

It’s simple, if you achieved a 1st class honours degree or at the very least a 2.1, or perhaps some outstanding ‘A’ levels – put your achievements in lights on page one. If you didn’t excel academically, list your qualifications at the back of your CV.

Industry Specific Qualifications

Always keep a record of the courses you have been on and the qualifications you have achieved. It’s well worth listing qualifications that underline your experience and capability – if your qualifications set you apart – list them early on in your CV.

If you have self-funded a training course it’s well worth making that clear. Self-funding demonstrates commitment, initiative, enthusiasm and a genuine passion for your chosen subject.

Interests

Make good use of your ‘Interests’ section to not only build some character and personality into your CV but also to further demonstrate your communication skills. People often waste the opportunity to bring personality to their CV by just listing their hobbies or pastimes.


For those that are truly passionate about a hobby, it shouldn’t be difficult to write two short paragraphs about their interest.

Remember that the things you are interested in say a lot about you – be mindful of the image you may be creating and make sure it’s a good one.

Voluntary Work

Voluntary work shows compassion and a kind nature. If you have been an active volunteer, don’t lose the opportunity to mention your involvement.

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