Your CV Brochure- More Glossy Than Mercedes!

Your CV is a selling document. It’s probably the best chance that you will ever have to show someone else just what you can do. It may help to think of it as a glossy brochure, rather like the one you might pick up in a Mercedes or a BMW showroom advertising their latest model car

In the English speaking world, it can be considered rude to boast about yourself- nobody likes a smart alec so why should anyone like that sort of arrogance in a CV. The bottom line is that there is a significant difference between arrogance and confidence. Your CV is a place to show others exactly how valuable you have been to those companies fortunate enough to employ you

Over the top boasts about how all businesses that you have worked for in the past would never have survived without you have no place on a CV. Live in the real world, be factual about the achievements that you genuinely succeeded in delivering and you will have people knocking down your door to interview you. Make sure that if those achievements were as a part of a wider team effort that you highlight your particular achievements

An old story says that to be a good liar, you need a good memory. Far simpler I believe then to tell the truth, particularly on your CV. As well as making you bulletproof in an interview, just focusing on real, truthful achievements removes all the stress that comes with having to guard against a lie. Be honest, it’s easier in the long run

Simple, old fashioned attention to detail goes a long way on a CV. For example, taking time to get the exact dates that you were employed between shows honesty and attention to the smallest detail, particularly important in some job roles. Pay particular attention to grammar, spelling and punctuation. This will also pay great dividends as there are so many people who just don’t

You worked hard for your qualifications so please make sure that they are included on your CV. Work back wards from the highest level of qualification through to the lowest, separating out the professional qualifications and the educational ones

A clean driving license is a great asset. Whether or not this is necessary for the job you are applying for is largely irrelevant. It shows you are careful, have a healthy respect for the law (or that you are clever enough to avoid being caught) and can be called upon in an emergency. If you have a license but have convictions, just show what class of vehicle that you are licensed to drive.

Age is a sensitive subject. Too old or too young can be a problem. Our advice, leave your age out of the document- it’s for you to know and for the recruiter to find out. In any case, never include your full date of birth as your identity needs to be kept safe- this is useful information for anyone trying to steal that identity