How to write an effective and error free CV

Writing an effective and ‘error-free’ CV is not an easy task. But an essential one if you want to stand a chance of getting a job interview.

If you think your skills, qualifications and experience will walk you into the interview alone – then think again! Unfortunately you are likely to be up against many other applicants, all equally as qualified. The race to get to the interview stage will come down to the presentation, and the ability to make the application error free.

Here’s how to write an effective and error free CV…

Avoid using lengthy sentences

You’ll quickly lose the recruiter’s attention if you waffle along the page. Get to the point and keep it snappy. This goes for every single sentence and paragraph. The hiring manager isn’t interested in reading a novel, and wants you to get to the heart of the matter.

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Don’t exaggerate

An experienced recruiter can see past exaggeration, so don’t risk losing out on an interview. Whilst you should put yourself in your best light, don’t be tempted to describe yourself as expert in everything – it won’t ring true.

Stick to the facts, and focus upon what you have to offer the employer. Worrying too much about the skills and experience you lack will show in your CV. Demonstrate your transferable skills, and be positive about your current skill set.

Use jargon – but not too much

If you think dropping every technical term you know into your CV will impress your recruiter – it won’t. If someone knows what they are talking about, they don’t have to use lots of jargon to prove it.

Go for a few technical terms to demonstrate you are an expert in the industry. But avoid using too much jargon that it comes across as over-confident or arrogant. The employer doesn’t want to hire a ‘know-it-all’, and is instead looking for confident and dynamic individuals.

Use your hobbies to add value

The best hobbies to tell employers about are fitness and sports related interests, which indicate that you’ll be less likely to take sick days or rock up with a hangover every Monday morning. Sporty hobbies are also likely to show someone who is capable of commitment and dedication.

Creative hobbies are also a great way to show the employer your ‘creative’ side. If your career requires a lot of creativity, then your hobbies may just add that extra value you need to get an interview.

Stay clear of cliché statements

‘Highly motivated’, ‘Team Worker’, ‘Strong Work Ethic’, ‘Hard working’, ‘Good attention to detail’ – these words are routinely dropped into CVs and mean absolutely nothing.

The reason they are so empty is because these qualities should go without saying. If you want to demonstrate a particular quality, the best way to do this is to show rather than tell. Provide examples of projects you’ve worked on and back them up with results and achievements. For example:

I achieved this result…
I completed this project on time and within budget…
I formulated this strategy…
I generated a return on investment…
I implemented this policy…
I managed this process/team…
I planned the process with these results…
I represented the Company during discussions…
I created…
I coordinated…. and so on.