We’re often asked for advice on what makes a great CV
This is your first opportunity to make a good impression with potential employers, so it’s important that your CV is current, tidy, error-free and provides a great platform to showcase your talents and skills.
Here we have some top tips for you to consider when readying your CV…
Top Tips for Candidates
Hello there
First impressions really count so great presentation is a good place to start. Making your CV well-spaced and easy to read helps busy hirers quickly see what you’re made of. Keeping to 2-3 pages means they are likely to read it all – if you have many years of experience it may be useful to summarise prior to a certain date.
The devil's in the detail
Hirers expect a CV to reflect the person and their standards, including their attention to detail so check and double check, typos happens to the best of us. Keep those error 404 messages at bay by regularly checking that your links work.
Who do you know
Provide the names and contact details of 2 past employers who are willing to provide you with a reference. Make them as recent as possible. Naturally you’ll want to make sure these are people who know what a great job you can do and can be relied upon to say so.
Keep things fresh
It's a great idea to always keep a CV up to date, even if you are not looking for a new job. It’s a great way to self-assess your career goals, keep a track of your achievements and remind yourself of just how far you’ve come.
Be human
There should be a small section on your CV for whatever hobbies and interests float your boat. We find this really helps hirers understand the person you are and what you’d be like to work with. Shared hobbies can be a great ice-breaker at interview too.
Focus-in
Every studio is different and hirers want to feel your enthusiasm for their job – not just any job. A one-size fits all CV is a tough call so tailor your CV for each opportunity and studio, highlighting the most relevant skills and experience each time. Consider what they’re looking for and where your experience matches.
Lookin' good
Show hirers your best side. Big-up what you personally contributed to the projects you’ve worked on. Most hirers read CVs on a screen so make portfolio links to your work just a click away. You can include Softography and feedback scores you’ve received too.
Google yourself
Pretty much everyone has an online footprint these days and employers are on LinkedIn, Twitter, forums and Facebook too. Think about what personality you’re putting out there on social media, be willing to have decisions influenced by what people see.
Education counts
Even if you have many years of experience do include your A-Level and Degree results. The industry is very competitive and hirers really do care about where and what you studied and your grades.
Know it all
Often the first stage of recruitment is to talk someone through your CV, so think about your career journey so far so you can bring your CV to life. Your CV is your shop window, know it inside-out. Always explain any career gaps and include them in your CV– did you go travelling? Were you job-seeking?
Don’t forget the ‘Soft Skills’
Of course, employers are keen to find new hires who can bring their skills and talents to particular disciplines. But they are also looking for employees who can add something extra to the team/company; who can grow with the business and future challenges. So it’s worth listing your key ‘soft skills’ too. These skills include: Communication, Critical Thinking, Leadership, Positive Attitude, Teamwork and Work Ethic. Consider which you feel are relevant to you and list them with some examples of how you have utilised these skills.
