How to produce an attractive CV

Peter Bell • August 17, 2021

Making sure your CV is written for the role you are applying for is an absolute requirement when applying for jobs, but there are several steps you can take when writing your CV to make sure it always looks good and attractive to the employer. 

How to structure a CV

Not structuring your CV is one of the most common problems faced by candidates, Please see below a simple layout for you to follow. 

CVs should be tailored to each role you apply for. However you can save time by creating a generic CV to be adapted for each job application you make. 


Contact information

Use your personal mobile telephone number and email address. Avoid using your work email and mobile phone number. Always respond to any invitation to an interview in a timely fashion.


Personal Profile

Ensure the first paragraph at the top of your CV is a summary of your experience and expertise, including applicable experience in relation to the job being advertised.


Skills and Qualities

Include a skills summary to catch the employer's attention by making it clear what you can offer. Include bullet points of the skills and key qualities/strengths that you have which are relevant to the role, including software programmes that you are familiar with.


Work Experience

Write about your work history and relevant experience to the role you are applying for.  Highlight your successful projects and evidence your skills and experience.

·       Work backwards from your most recent job and do not leave any gaps in employment dates (e.g. if you went off travelling, please highlight this)

·       If you are a recent graduate without much work experience, highlight the relevant skills that you gained in your course and voluntary work placements

·       List your higher education qualifications by university, course name and grade 2:1, 2:2, First etc.

·       List any training courses completed and professional certificates and diplomas awarded

·       Include membership of chartered institutes or relevant professional bodies.

Beginning a new job

By Simon Blunden • August 23, 2021
Starting a new job can always be intimidating, regardless of what level or stage you are in your career. However, you should remember that you were appointed to the role as the employer believes you have the right attributes to undertake the job and the personality which fits with their culture. 

Resigning from your job

By Simon Blunden • August 23, 2021
How you go about giving your resignation can have an impact on your career. Following the normal etiquette can go a long way in helping your personal brand as your career develops, but if you approach it in the wrong way, this could affect your immediate future. For example, you will be relying on your current employer for a good reference to secure the new position or for future roles.

What to do when you receive a job offer

By Simon Blunden • August 23, 2021
Wondering what to do after the interview is over and you have been offered the job? Here are a few tips to help you make your decision 

Mastering Interview Questions

By Simon Blunden • August 23, 2021
Competency based and behavioural interview questions are aimed at finding out whether a candidate has the required skills and qualities for a job. The employer assesses if you have proven work experience and how you will apply this in the future.

Interview Preparation – Researching the Employer

By Simon Blunden • August 23, 2021
Once you have mastered the art of job application and you have been invited to an interview, do not get complacent - be prepared. Although an interview could last only 45 minutes, you need to spend more time than this looking into the background of the company to find out what you can about them.

How to get an interview

By Peter Bell • August 17, 2021
Having a desire to get the job you want is not enough on its own these days. Thorough preparation is required in order to read and understand the person specification so that your application can be tailored to the specific job you are applying for.

How to do well in your Interview

By Peter Bell • August 17, 2021
Interviews can be very daunting, but with good preparation and planning it does not have to be such a challenge. Interviews vary from short conversations lasting a few minutes to a full-blown interview process over several stages, sometimes with more than one interviewer. You should not be afraid of the interview – be positive about the opportunity to demonstrate your strengths, abilities, and passion.