Top of the Pile
Get your cv to the top of the pile
create a better CV
It is the first thing an employer sees – so make sure they read it. That doesn't mean an award winning piece of creative artwork. Make it easy to read and gather information, use a simple clean layout and typeface, make it accurate and – check your spelling
Other Tips
Employment Gaps - don't cover them up. If it is more than a month or two gap explain what you were doing and why – e.g. 'freelancing while seeking a new permanent position'; or, 'following redundancy I painted the house while searching for a new position'.
References & Samples - don't put referees names on your CV, they don't always like them published. You can supply them on request. If you are a designer, email samples of your (best) work so the employer can see what you’re made of.
Word or PDF CV? – Word is compatible with more recruiter databases. It’s easier to search on your CV and help you tune it to a specific job. If you must use a PDF, make it neat, plain and simple. Employers read dozens of CV's. They don't want to trudge through an overly designed one to get to the facts. You can impress with a few well chosen samples from your folio instead. Send them as separate attachments in the same email as your CV.
AND FINALLY - check your spelling. It's one of the biggest criticisms we get from employers.
The above layout is a sample only. You can chose your own but keep to the basics – easy to read, to the point and accurate. Need further advice? Email info@madstaff.co.uk with your question.
Advice Centre
Top of the pile
Ensuring your CV gets read.
First impressions
They count. So make the right one.
Questions, Questions
What they ask. What to answer.
How Much?
Getting what you’re worth.
