CV writing 101 with Harper’s Career Service this National Careers Week #NCW22

Everyone writes one at some point in their lives, and we have all opened the laptop and think where do I start? What do I include? What font?   

We can all stop worrying and start writing as the staff from Harper Adams Careers Service have shared their top tips for writing a standout CV this National Careers Week #NCW22. 

CV top tips 

1. Stick to two pages of A4- there are always exceptions to this but generally no more than two pages. 

2. Make sure your CV aligns to what else can be read about you online i.e. your LinkedIn profile. 

3. Think PRESENTATION- clear layout, bullet points, consistent formatting. Do the arm’s length test. 

4. Read the job description/person specification. “Read them and understand them!” just like Jackie Weaver. Match yourself and your skills what the employer is looking for.  

5. Focus on your outputs and achievements rather than listing all the tasks you completed in a job. 

6. Don’t forget hobbies & interests-employers do like to see that you are a “rounded” or “balanced” person with outside interests that add to your skillset and that may align to the organisation’s ethos or culture. 

7. Use positive, dynamic language, give your CV some pizazz! Say “I delivered” “I executed” rather than “I did”. Own it! 

8. Include two references-ideally one academic and one work. If you can’t fit the details on do have them ready. Nothing more unprofessional and embarrassing than an employer contacting a referee who wasn’t expecting it.  

9. Always put yourself in the shoes of the person reading your CV. Ask yourself…do they need to know this? Is it relevant?  

10. Tailor your CV- for each and every vacancy you use it to apply for. 

11. Get some feedback- the Careers Service is a good place to start careers@harper-adams.ac.uk