CV Writing Tips

In the HR industry, specific skills and experiences are highly valued. Make sure to highlight any HR-related skills you have, such as recruitment, employee relations, training and development, HRIS systems, and compliance. Use specific examples and metrics to demonstrate your accomplishments in these areas and make sure your skills stand out, ideally listed before your employment history.

Employers are not just looking for a list of your responsibilities; they want to see what you have achieved in your previous roles. Include quantifiable achievements on your CV to demonstrate your impact, such as reducing turnover rates, implementing successful training programs, or streamlining HR processes. An example would be “at XYZ, I led a team of 6 L&D advisors to create a new training platform that was implemented company wide. This resulted in a 67% higher employee satisfaction rate and 31% less errors/failures reported in our annual audit.”

Your CV should have a clean, professional format that is easy to read. Use clear headings, bullet points, and a consistent font style and size throughout. Make sure to include relevant sections such as a summary statement, work experience, education, certifications, and skills.

Before submitting your CV, make sure to thoroughly proofread and edit it for any errors or inconsistencies. Typos and grammar mistakes can leave a negative impression on employers, so take the time to review your CV carefully. Asking a friend or colleague to review this for you can help you spot mistakes you missed and give you the opportunity to ask for feedback.

While it's essential to include relevant information on your CV, it's also crucial to keep it concise and focused. Aim for a CV length of one to two pages, depending on your level of experience.

9 times out of 10, your potential employer will look you up on social media platforms, especially LinkedIn. Linking your site for ease will help the hiring manager locate your profile quickly so they can spend time matching your skillset, not wasting time playing detective! Employers will want to make sure that your CV matches your profile so make sure you cross reference the information and ensure it is correct, accurate and up to date on all platforms.

If you feel comfortable asking friends or colleagues to review your CV, they could provide valuable feedback that could enhance your CV and remind you of skills or achievements you may not have mentioned. If you would rather keep your CV confidential from friends or colleagues at this stage, reach out to a HR specialist recruiter who will more than likely be happy to offer pointers.