CV Writing Tips & Template

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CV Writing Tips & Template

Your resume is often the first impression a Recruiter will make of you and it can make or break your chance of securing your next role. Read our guide on how to write a winning CV below.

Tailor Your CV

Successful CVs provide as much relevant information as possible in the most efficient way. Most recruiters will have a list of requirements in their mind when they review job applications. Studying the advertisement to tailor your resume to these criteria is the best way to tick all these boxes. For example, if a vacancy is asking for a Chartered Accountancy qualification or previous experience in a Personal Assistant role, then these qualifications or experiences should be clearly shown on the first page of your CV.

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Avoid Irrelevant Information or Jargon

It’s important to consider who will be reading your CV as not everyone will understand the same industry jargon that you do. Including buzzwords or technical language may confuse hiring managers and damage your chance of making it past the initial screening. That said, if the employer is looking for someone with a very specific or niche skillset then make sure you include these skills in your resume.

Explain Any Gaps

Unexplained gaps in your work history can be a red flag for a lot of Recruiters and failing to adequately explain them could stand in the way of your next role. If you have a sound reason for the gap, such as taking a sabbatical to go traveling, it will always be best to include a brief explanation in your CV or cover letter to answer any questions the reader may have.

Triple Check Your Spelling & Grammar

Misspelling and grammatical errors are often a frequent reason why CVs are rejected. If you’re not treating your resume with the time, care and attention it deserves, your reliability and accuracy may be questioned. Your CV is a professional representation of your skills so always triple check it for mistakes and ask someone to read over it before you submit it to a Recruiter.

Be Accessible

A Recruiter will often only have a few days to shortlist candidates. New Zealand’s job market is highly competitive, so ensure you are accessible once you have submitted your application.

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