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CV tips and structure: Download your guide
3 min read | Hays Experts | Article | Job searching | CV & Cover letters
Making sure your CV is tailored to the role you want for is an absolute necessity when applying for jobs, but there are general steps you can take when building the structure of your CV to make sure it always looks good and reads well. Our free Securing an interview guide will help you with preparing your CV.
Not knowing how to structure their CV is one of the most common problems jobseekers face, so we’ve laid out a simple structure to help you.
CVs should be tailored to each role you apply for, but to save time first create a general CV which can be easily adapted for each employer, based on the job description.
Make sure to use the phone number and email address that you use most often. You don’t want to miss an opportunity by failing to respond to their invitation to an interview in a timely fashion.
Ensure the first area at the top of your CV is a summary of your experience and includes specific applicable experience in relation to the job ad as opposed to generalities.
Include a skills section to capture the reader's attention by making it clear what you can offer. Use a brief bulleted list of the skills and key strengths that you possess that are relevant to the role, such as software packages you have worked with.
This section should include your work history and any relevant volunteer or work experience placements. Talk about business or project successes and showcase your skills and experience.
Actual references are rarely included on CVs. It is usually fine to simply say 'References are available on request'.
If you need any guidance on this (or any aspect of your job search) then find your nearest office and get in touch with an expert consultant.
Download our Securing an interview guide now.
Hays Experts
Beginning life in 1968 with just a handful of employees, Hays how has over 7,800 recruiting specialists worldwide, including 1,800 in the UK. Our consultants are experts in their field, helping professionals advance their careers, and organisations find the right talent.