Writing your CV
A good CV is a powerful thing. Be prepared to create several versions or tweak one to suit each application. Here are our top tips for crafting a standout CV:
1. Personalise. Tailor your CV to every role you apply for. Align your experience and achievements with the job requirements – focus especially on the most relevant and recent positions.
2. Write a succinct personal profile. Think like a recruiter: what do they need to know first? Create a concise, tailored summary that highlights your strengths for the role. Avoid buzzwords, be authentic, and make every word count – this section can be tricky, but it’s worth getting right.
3. Skills section. Include a balanced mix of hard and soft skills – aim for around five of each. Hard skills might include data analysis or coding; soft skills could be team leadership or communication. Show how you’ve applied or developed these skills in your roles.
4. Catch the eye. Make sure your CV design fits the role you’re applying for. If it’s a creative job, a bold or visually engaging layout can help. For editorial or analytical roles, clarity and precision in formatting are key.
5. Highlight transferable skills. Especially if you’re changing direction, draw clear connections between your past experience and the role you’re applying for. Make these transferable strengths obvious and prominent – ideally on the first page.
6. Keep it short. A CV should be no more than two pages. Focus on your most recent and relevant experience, and use a competencies section to showcase transferable skills from earlier roles.
7. Edit. Then edit again. Spelling mistakes and formatting errors can hold you back. Proof your CV carefully – and get someone else to review it too. A fresh pair of eyes can make all the difference.
Skills and talent
1. Do a hard skills audit. Take stock of your technical abilities. What formal training, certifications, or qualifications do you have? Think about programming languages, software proficiency, data analysis, technical writing, or any specialist tools you’ve mastered.
2. Do a soft skills audit. List the personal and interpersonal skills that shape how you work with others. These might be harder to measure but are just as important. Examples include communication, leadership, problem-solving, negotiation, and project or people management.
3. Identify your talents. What comes naturally to you? What tasks do you enjoy and excel at? These strengths often point to where you’ll thrive – and can help you focus your job search in the right direction.
4. Find the sweet spot. This is where your skills, natural talents, and passions overlap. Identifying this sweet spot can help you focus on roles that truly suit you – the kind of work that energises you and plays to your strengths.
5. Close the skills gap. Compare your current skills to those required in roles you’re aiming for. Where are the gaps? Upskill through courses, certifications, or on-the-job learning to boost your suitability and confidence.
6. Leverage transferable skills. Spot those hard and soft skills that apply across industries and job types. Highlight them clearly in your CV and cover letters – they could open doors to opportunities you hadn’t considered.
Covering letter
You might have the perfect CV, but if your cover letter falls flat, your application could be overlooked. Never send your CV without a cover letter – even if it’s optional or not requested. It’s your chance to bring your application to life.
1. Personalise. Find out the name of the person you’re writing to, and tailor your letter directly to them. Consider what challenges they might be facing – and position yourself as the solution.
2. Do your research. Demonstrate that you’ve looked into the company. Reference relevant news, industry trends, or projects they’re working on to show genuine interest and alignment.
3. A dazzling opening paragraph. Start strong. Introduce who you are and why you’re excited about the role. Use this space to convey enthusiasm and show that you understand and admire their work.
4. Tick off the must-haves. Follow up with a paragraph that clearly links your skills and experience to the job requirements. Focus on how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description.
5. Concise and clear. Write with clarity. Keep sentences short and purposeful. Come back to it the next day with fresh eyes, read it aloud, and ask a friend to review it for tone and errors.
6. Finish strong. End on a high note by reaffirming your interest in the company and the role. Leave a confident impression by highlighting why you’d be a great addition to their team.
Interview techniques
The first rule of a great interview? Know what success looks like. Preparation, confidence and authenticity are key. Here’s how to make the right impression:
1. First impressions count. Interviewers often form an opinion within the first minute – so arrive on time, dress appropriately, and greet them with a confident handshake and genuine smile. Make eye contact and let your enthusiasm show.
2. Do your homework. Research the company thoroughly. Understand its background, values, current challenges, and any recent developments in the industry. Tailor your answers to show how your skills align with their needs.
3. Know your CV inside out. Your CV will likely guide the conversation. Be ready to talk through your experience, especially how your skills and achievements match the job spec. Prepare examples that demonstrate your impact.
4. Be personable. Building rapport can be just as important as checking the skills boxes. Show you’re someone they’d enjoy working with. Use positive body language – sit up straight, maintain eye contact, and show active listening through nodding and engagement.
5. Clarify your expectations. Use the interview to assess if the role and company culture are right for you. Asking thoughtful questions about team dynamics or growth opportunities shows confidence and self-awareness.
6. Ask great questions. Have a few meaningful questions ready for the end – about the team, future plans, or expectations for the role. It shows interest, curiosity, and preparation.
7. Follow up. Send a short thank you email within 24 hours. Reaffirm your interest in the role and your appreciation for their time. It leaves a lasting, professional impression.
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