CAREER PURSUIT

Tailor it to the job This is crucial. Submitting a blanket CV is unlikely to get the results you want, so make sure you do your research and tailor your CV specifically to the job and company you are applying to. One way you can do this is by including relevant keywords. Sarah explains, “More and more companies are starting to invest in software which will scan CVs and job sites to identify people who match the criteria, so keywords are crucial.” If a job description asks for a particular skill or qualification that you have, make sure it is included in your CV. Keep it clear and concise Don’t waffle, and only include information that is relevant to the role you are applying for. CV WRITING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW W r i t i n g a C V f o r t o d a y ’ s j o b ma r k e t c a n f e e l l i k e a d a u n t i n g p r o s p e c t . N a v i g a t i n g t h r o u g h t h e p l e t h o r a o f i n f o r ma t i o n o n l i n e c a n b e o v e r w h e l m i n g , a n d i t c a n b e d i f f i c u l t t o k n o w w h e r e t o s t a r t . H o w e v e r , i f y o u a r e l o o k i n g f o r a n e w j o b , t h i s i s s ome t h i n g t h a t c a n ’ t b e a v o i d e d , a s w e a l l k n o w t h a t h a v i n g a g r e a t C V i s e s s e n t i a l i f y o u w a n t t o s e c u r e t h a t a l l i mp o r t a n t i n t e r v i e w . B y J e s s i c a B r o w n But what makes a ‘great’ CV? In my quest to find the answer, I spoke to recruitment expert Sarah Lloyd-Foster , Head of Talent Acquisition at Travel Counsellors, a Best Companies 2 -star company. With over 15 years’ experience in recruitment, Sarah has seen a fair few CVs cross her desk – the good and the bad! She kindly agreed to let me interview her, so that I could share her expertise on how to write a top-notch CV. Play to your strengths Employers want to see how you can bring value to their organisation, so show them what you have done in previous roles that has made a difference. Sarah recommends including specific examples of projects that you have delivered and the achievements you have made, to highlight your strengths and key skills. 04 C A R E E R P U R S U I T 2 0 2 0