CV TIPS – Make your CV Sparkle


Your CV will be the first product of your work that prospective employers see. You will want to spend time making it effective, and making it look good. Use these tips to create a winning CV.

  • APPEARANCES COUNT
    Use good quality paper stock; do not print your CV on cheap copy paper. Check for typos and grammatical errors, use the spell-check feature on your computer and ask a friend to review your CV to find mistakes your might have missed.
  • KEEP IT SHORT
    Try to keep your CV to one page if possible, but if your experience warrants two pages then go ahead and create a document that reflects the full range of your experience and accomplishments. Don’t reduce the type size so that your CV becomes difficult to read.
  • TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES
    Don’t fudge over dates or titles on your CV to hide the fact that you have been un-employed, that you switched jobs or that you held low-level positions. Being upfront and honest is the best policy.
  • STATE YOUR CASE
    If you are seeking a job in a field in which you have no prior experience, don’t list your job experience by date. By choosing a functional or skills oriented format, you can present your relevant experience and skills up front.
  • PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD
    Don’t simply copy the job description jargon from an HR manual, do more than simply list your job responsibilities. Present specific accomplishments and achievements; percentages increased, accounts expanded, awards won etc
  • NO EXCUSES
    Don’t include the reasons you are no longer working at each job listed on your CV. The phrases “Company Sold”, “department relocated” and “left for a better opportunity” have no place on your CV.
  • TARGET YOUR AUDIENCE
    When writing your CV, keep the position you are pursuing in mind. Then include the career experience that most suits the job you are after.
  • NO EXTRA PAPERS, PLEASE
    Don’t include copies of transcripts, letters of recommendation or awards with your CV, if you are called in for an interview, you may bring these extra materials along for show-and-tell.
  • DON’T GET PERSONAL
    Personal information does not belong on a CV; do not include information on marital status, age, race, family or hobbies.

Interview Tips

  • Know the exact place and time of the interview.
  • Bring extra copies of your CV along with any letters of reference.
  • Arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled interview.
  • Appear confident as you walk to your interview. Smile, shake hands firmly.
  • Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting, sit upright and lean slightly forward toward the interviewer.
  • Be a good listener and answer questions in a brief but effective manner.
  • Maintain good eye contact.
  • Don’t answer with a simple “yes” or “no”, describe your specific achievements as they relate to the position.
  • Don’t make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers. When explaining your reasons.
  • For leaving, limit your comments to those necessary to communicate your rationale.
  • Let the interviewer bring up salary first.
  • Prepare, Prepare, Prepare, do some research and practice your interview techniques.

10 Temping Tips

  1. Be dependable. On the first day of a new assignment, arrive a few minutes early. Adhere to designated work hours, and only accept assignments you can commit to for the entire duration. It is important to successfully complete each assignment.
  2. Be prepared, know where and who to report to and how to get there.
  3. Be professional, act in a courteous and ethical manner. Proper business attire is required at all times, unless otherwise instructed.
  4. Be adaptable, be cooperative about whatever tasks you are asked to complete. Be flexible to work extra hours if required.
  5. Be informed, inquire about work related issues such as how to properly answer telephones, Important names to remember, lunch breaks etc.
  6. Be proactive, when you complete your work, check for accuracy, then notify your supervisor. Ask for more work once you finish a task.
  7. Be discreet, keep your work confidential. In some cases, you may be required to sign a Confidentiality agreement.
  8. Be responsible, do not use computers, internet, email, fax or copy machines, etc for your personal business. Do not change the computer display or personalize voicemail unless you are instructed to do so.
  9. Be respectful, avoid making personal phone calls, and do not text or use your own mobile phone within working hours.
  10. Be thorough, when completing an assignment, let your supervisor know the status of your work. Always leave your work area neat and organised.