Some hints for improving your CV (Strategic Dimensions)

You probably feel that you do not need any help in revising/writing your CV. However, many people we talk to, some quite senior, find it easy to improve their CV and thus increase their chances of being called for interview. Key points to bear in mind include:

• Each CV is particular to its owner. You must be comfortable with yours, no matter what anyone else says, and, no matter how wrong you are! 
• Always remember that the purpose of your CV is to get you in front of an interviewer. It is the primary marketing tool for selling you and your expertise. 
• Always tell the truth. You can put spin on it and embroider it, but falsehoods will kill you. You must always be able to substantiate what you have written. 
• You may consider re-writing your CV for each application, matching your experience and achievements to the stated job content and personal profile. Most people do not do this and, while it is undoubtedly a real chore, it can give you a clear advantage at the first hurdle. But be very certain that you do not confuse yourself with multiple versions of your CV in circulation! 
• Always submit your CV with a short covering letter. This should succinctly bring out the two or three key reasons for the interviewer to see you, the detail of which will be spelled out in the CV itself. You should state your current and/or desired remuneration arrangements in this letter, and mark it confidential. 
• Try to keep your CV to no more than two pages. More than three is almost certain death! 
• Start with a three to five line personal profile which, again, may relate closely to the content of the job for which you are applying. You should be comfortable that this describes you honestly and "sells" your unique blend of skills and experience. Then go on to summarise your career to date in reverse chronological order. Do keep it brief and relevant. 
• The next section(s) should deal with your qualifications and then education and particular experience. 
• You are not obliged to include your age, date bound information, ethnicity or marital status. 
• Your cv should emphasise the skills you have, rather than the time you have spent in any particular role. 
• Please avoid using lilac paper, illegible handwriting, fancy fonts, including family photographs or attaching large documents to emails.

At Strategic Dimensions we will give you honest feedback on your CV. If we don't think it works, we'll tell you. But remember our first point - it's your document, and you have to be comfortable with it.