Writing a CV - Expert advice and tips
What makes a CV stand out? Do you need to include references? Should you use a video CV? Expert advice from our CV clinic.
In the first of our series of live careers Q+A's, we looked at how to improve your CV with our panel of experts on hand to give their advice and answer questions.
David Shennan, CEO of Daisy Thomas Recruitment Group, Nikki Lambert, of Connexions, Kate Taylor, of The Fuller CV Ltd and Paresh Damani of Next Step all gave their time to help out and came up with some great advice.
The experts were all in agreement about how a CV should be drawn out. Kate suggested that it should be a two page document and achievement driven. David agreed, but stressed that it should be kept professional unless the role was in the creative sector, and always accompanied by a covering letter.
Nikki added that it is always better to send your CV in an A4 envelope, rather than folding it, and Paresh stressed the importance of printing on good quality paper and making sure to tailor your CV to the specific role you are applying for.
A user named Andy asked about sending in a video CV to stand out from the crowd, but the panel weren't keen. Both Kate and Nikki suggested that employers may not have the time or the resources to view it, but Paresh said it could be worth thinking about if applying in the creative sector.
A couple of people asked about the use of references on a CV – is it necessary to leave details on the document itself? Again, our experts were unanimous in saying that it is fine to just put 'references available on request' – especially if you're currently employed and don't want them to know that you're considering a change of employment!
Barry was concerned that he only had one former employer that he could use as a reference, but again the experts said not to worry. David had never known an employer reject an application for that reason and Nikki suggested that he could just use a personal referee – someone that he had known for a long time and who holds a professional position – instead.
Finally, lessismore wondered whether you need to include your date of birth, as they had read that you shouldn't and was unsure. Whilst Kate confirmed that it wasn't a necessary requirement, David summed it up succinctly:
"It's your CV and what you choose to include in it is your choice."
Read more careers advice and find a new role on our Home of Jobs site.
