Who are we looking for?
When you're creating a CV, ensure you bear in mind some of the key attributes that many employers look for in an employee:
- Strategic thinkers, people with relentless passion and a hunger to learn
- Team players who are willing to work with others
- Individuals with unique thoughts and fresh ideas
What to avoid when writing a CV
It's important to create a well-written and properly formatted CV. There are some things you should never include on a CV:
- Protected characteristics: Age, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Pregnancy, Marital Status, Race, Religion or Belief, Gender, and Sexual Orientation
- Any personal views on the above topics
- A photograph
- References
- Lies or misinformation
Below are some further things to avoid:
- Unreadable format - this is your chance to put your best self forward, so make sure the format is easy to read
- Incomplete contact details - ensure you include your full contact details so the team don't struggle to get in touch with any next steps
- Inappropriate personal details - only include what is relevant for your application
- Bland and generic language - you're not a robot, so make sure your CV doesn't read like it's been auto generated and bring your personality into it
What to include in your CV
- Consistent font - don't change fonts throughout and keep it familiar and basic (Arial 12pt)
- Send as a PDF - don't send your CV as a word doc
- Personal details complete and up to date - ensure the information you're entering is accurate and there's nothing missing
- Concise and relevant language - avoid words that don't add meaning and bulk out a sentence, keep it concise
- Avoid excessive information - really think about what we need to know and what's relevant for your application
Final thoughts
Always remember to include any extra-curricular activities, including sports, societies, hobbies and interests - these all help your personality shine through and help the team learn more about you.