What is the most important element in crafting an effective CV? It isn't downloading a fancy design with your favourite colour combination. Nor including emoji type icons to 'attract the reader'. Nor is it listing the tiniest detail of what you did in that job 15 years ago because it was 'really important'. Lots of... Continue Reading →
Don’t get too big for your boots
Writing your CV is not as easy as you think. Otherwise I wouldn’t do what I do. Not only do you have the practical stuff to consider such as ATS (Applicant Tracking System), making your CV achievement-focused and just sitting down to write or edit, especially as most people only get round to it every... Continue Reading →
Turn your CV into a results magnet with this simple shift
As a CV writer, I’ve seen countless CVs over the years. Some have been pretty good, while others have been pretty poor when they come to me. Sometimes they are far too long, jargon-heavy or just a bit dull and probably didn’t engage the person who wrote it, never mind the recruiter who was expected... Continue Reading →
Just Can’t Get Enough Interviews? Your CV Might Need a Depeche Mode Makeover
In 2023, Depeche Mode released “Ghosts Again”, a single that many fans (yes, that would be me) and critics call one of the best of their career. More than 40 years since their first hit and with remaining band members now in their 60s, they’re still creating music that’s fresh, relevant and powerful. If Depeche... Continue Reading →
The secret to getting more done? Stop trying to get so much done
In the big scheme of things, it isn't very much perhaps, but it isn't even lunchtime yet and I have already done two things which have enriched my soul and made me much more productive than usual. From 8-9am, I have an (almost) weekly language exchange (Spanish/English) and a couple of coffees with a friend.... Continue Reading →
Is it ‘cheating’ to use a CV writer?
No. At first, I wanted to leave it at that, but thought that it would be a very short post and so I'd better explain myself as perhaps it's obvious that I would say that as I'm a CV writer myself. I drive an automatic car. A Fiat 500. And I love it. And I... Continue Reading →
Keep your formatting simple
As a CV writer, I have seen hundreds of CVs and when talking about how to write the best CVs, a lot of focus is justifiably put on content, but in this post, I want to discuss formatting. Some CVs look good, while others look terrible. Many templates are visually appealing, while others are essentially... Continue Reading →
What do ATS and speed cameras have in common? And why are they both a good thing?
Easy. They're both trying to catch you out. They're not a good thing. Next question! No. No. And no, again. Before I became a CV writer, one of the jobs on my own CV a few years ago was promoting the use of what are commonly known as speed cameras across London. Technically, they are... Continue Reading →
5 ways to help you write an achievement-focused CV when you think you can’t
If you are start looking into how to write an effective CV these days, one of the primary tips is to highlight your achievements, including quantifiable metrics. “But how do I do that if my job doesn’t have measurable KPIs?” you may ask. And that would be a good question. So, if you’ve ever stared... Continue Reading →
Be concise
A while ago, I got an eight-page CV from a client who wanted some help 'trimming her CV down'. It included everything that she had ever done and the longest that I had been given by a client. Like many CVs, she had started it several years ago and just kept adding to it, which... Continue Reading →