CV Do's & Don'ts
Do's
- DO keep the layout and design legible, consistent and easy to follow, with good clear headings, large easy-to-read typeface such as Times New Roman or Arial
- DO orientate your resume towards specific (and quantifiable) achievements rather than duties and responsibilities. It should tell prospective employers everything that might interest them and nothing that will waste their time.
- DO write in clear, concise terms, using active words (eg. accomplished, created, enhanced, launched, negotiated, etc). If you don’t feel comfortable with this, write a factual statement such as: ‘Achieved sales objectives of 250 units per month’.
- DO keep it succinct. Highlight particular personal achievements. For example: ‘During my period as Manager, turnover decreased 120 per cent.’
- DO put your work history and educational details in reverse chronological order that is, starting with the most recent. It’s easier to follow.
- DO be specific in your resume. Use numbers or percentages to illustrate your successes.
- DO explain if your role changed during the course of employment, provide an accurate timeline of how your role evolved.
- DO explain gaps in employment timeline.
- DO sell your current and previous employers. A succinct, short paragraph describing who they are, what they do and who their clients are goes a long way to selling you. The quality of the companies you have worked for is reflective on your calibre as a candidate.
- DO keep your CV short (2 - 5 pages should be sufficient). Edit out unnecessary text. A well crafted, consise CV is better than a rambling essay.
Dont's
- DON'T exaggerate your experience to make it sound more impressive. If the information provided in your CV can't stand up to scrutiny in the interview, it is likely to be detrimental to your chances of securing the role.
- DON'T claim complete responsibility for achievements; implying no one else deserves any credit, which is usually not the case.
- DON'T write a novel. It should concisely paint a picture of you and your job history. Key points should be highlighted to develop interest and excitement about you as a potential candidate.
- DON'T use a narrative style. Highlight your accomplishments in a bullet point format, then you don't need as many complete sentences. But be warned: brief points must be carefully thought out.
- DON'T use initials and jargon. Write so you're understood. There's a general consensus by good interviewers that people who really know their subject, write and speak clearly and don't try to complicate issues.
- DON'T assume the reader knows everything about your role, explain yourself in a manner that can be understood by the uninitiated. If necessary ask someone who doesn't know your role to read it and see if they can understand what it is that you do.