Creating an effective CV*

In the current climate the importance of a well constructed CV cannot be underestimated. The competition for a reduced number of roles is fierce and so it's essential that your CV is sharp, engaging and polished. Even if you're working with a high calibre recruitment consultancy like Foundation Recruitment, we alone cannot secure you an interview. Your CV has to fully support the positive verbal introduction our recruitment consultants will make to the client on your behalf.

To create a truly effective CV which optimises your chances of success, we recommend the following:

Overall

• We advise all our candidates to see their CV as personal sales particulars. It must be an interesting and "punchy" document that encourages the client to invest the time and effort into studying it in greater detail.
• Obviously but crucially, the document must always be a true and accurate reflection of your professional history. We strongly advise against over embellishment or ambiguity; referencing will always throw up any inaccuracies.
• Always try and tailor your CV to the vacancy of interest. Study the job description and person specification and adapt your CV accordingly. This may be as simple as ensuring all the relevant experience you have to perform the role is included.
• The length of your CV is very important. Remember that clients are busy and will not have the necessary time or appetite to read a lengthy document. Aim to provide enough relevant and engaging detail to be invited to interview with points that you can elaborate on during the meeting. Two pages (three at most) should is a good target.
• Always make sure you spell check your CV. Spelling mistakes can suggest a basic lack in attention to detail, commitment and professionalism. We will of course check your CV but careless errors will lead us to question whether your claims to be an 'accurate, thorough' person are true.

Format and structure

• The structure of a CV can vary greatly and there are no hard and fast rules regarding format. It's fine to use different fonts and layouts to reflect your personality but always consider your target audience. Design is subjective and the client might not share your penchant for comic typefaces or gaudy colours!
• Your name, address and contact details should be at the top of the page.
• Include a 'Profile' of around 3 lines which summarises you, your skills and your aspirations.
• List your career in reverse chronological order beginning with your current role. State the company, the position and dates you were employed from and to. It is useful to include a brief description about the organisation, its areas of operation, size etc.
• Under each of your jobs held (ideally adopting bullet points), write a number of lines describing your objectives and responsibilities including details such as the size of the team managed and the like. The more recent roles generally warrant more bullet points.
• Again, utilising bullet points include achievements from your time with your current company. This is an opportunity to shine and set yourself apart from other candidates applying for the role.
• Interests. Try to include around two lines detailing your interests, hobbies and other non-work activities. Some employer's take a negative view of an application where this is omitted as whilst it may portray a hard worker, it can also denote someone who isn't social or who has no life outside of the office.
• Include a small section with general details of your education. This rarely needs to be too detailed, especially for more senior candidates with extensive industry experience.
• Include other qualifications that are applicable to your career - courses and training days that assist you in your role as these will again adding gravitas to your application.
• If you are a member of local organisations or city centre partnerships, especially for instance as a centre manager, ensure you list these to show your involvement with the wider community.
• References can be listed if you have space or you may add the line 'References available on request'. Just be sure to let your referees know!