What should I put on my CV?
On average a hiring manager will only spend six seconds scanning through your CV before deciding whether you are suitable or not. This may seem harsh but when hundreds of CV’s are placed on your desk and you can only chose the top 10 this is necessary. Therefore, making sure that your CV makes a good first impression is vital.
Formatting – we recommend that you keep your CV to a two page limit, however if you are a very experienced candidate expanding on all relevant is important. You should include all the qualities that you have that are required for the position you are applying for.
Generally, the format we like to see on a CV is:
- Brief personal statement
- Professional skills
- Education
- Work experience
- (Projects completed during education and wok experience should be included under each section)
- Publications
- Awards, other skills, hobbies if applicable
Images / Graphs – including images or graphs on your CV is unnecessary, these can often make a CV appear cluttered and congested. These items can be sent through at a later stage if the hiring company requires them.
References – you do not need to put references on your CV. References are the last port of call when it comes to the hiring process and aren’t needed until the interview processes is completed and an offer has been made. However, it is important that these people are someone you reported into or a direct superior in your previous employment. It is also advisable to inform the individuals that they may be receiving this call.
Be honest – lying or exaggerating your abilities or skills on your CV isn’t a good idea, while it is important to highlight all of your best aspects lying will only reflect badly on you during an interview process.
Language – avoid using jargon or abbreviations especially when referencing technical terms. A HR Manager may not be aware of all the jargon and won’t be able to follow your experience clearly.
Order – order your work experience and your education in order of most recent first, this will make it easier for a recruiter or hiring manager to see how your career has progressed and also your most current title.
Don’t include:
- Marital status
- Date of birth
- Profile picture
If you require any further help with writing the perfect CV please do get in touch: Call +353 (01) 5461115 or email us at info@emtechrecruitment.ie.