CV Shed

Job scams are rising - find out how to protect yourself

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:47:15 GMT

Scammers are increasingly preying on vulnerable job seekers. Whether they're desperate for income, angling for a pay rise or just desperate to move on, job seekers can be an easy target. This desperation is fuelling a rise in job scams in the UK, and scammers are using increasingly creative ways to part the jobseeker from their hard-earned cash.

Let's take a look at some of the most common scams around at the moment, identify some red flags and find out how to minimise your chances of getting ripped off.

Scam 1: Fake jobs

In this scenario, a "recruiter" will contact you about a job. This job could be one they've posted on an online job board, that you've applied for, or they could simply claim to have found your CV online or seen your LinkedIn profile . Either way, you're a great fit!

But… in order to progress, you're going to need to part with some money. Very likely, this will be in the form of having your CV re-written so that it is " ATS friendly " or "uses their template". If you pay, you either receive a low-quality CV (often written in poor English by someone on Fiverr, based abroad) or more likely, no CV at all.

If you do receive a CV, that opens you up to more scamming, because they can then also charge you for background checks. Some scammers will go to great lengths to make you think you're part of a genuine recruitment process to keep you invested, with phone interviews, technical tests and CV scores all part of the scheme.

None of this matters - there was never a job in the first place. You'll either be ghosted or told you didn't get the job this time. You're hundreds of pounds out of pocket for a job that never existed.

If you need help with your CV, always do your research and use a trusted UK CV writer .

Scam 2: CV storage

When you're job hunting, you need a CV – but you don't know where to start . No problem! There are plenty of online CV builders that can help you to write a job-winning CV. So, you input all your information to compile a CV that recruiters are going to love.

Now it's time to download it. You'll need to pay a fee to do that – annoying, but you've done all the work now, so you cough up rather than go through it all again on another website. You download the CV you've built and start merrily applying for jobs.

But that one-off download fee? Should've read the small print. It wasn't a one-off fee but a monthly subscription to "store your CV". By the time you notice the regular payments coming out of your account, you'll be hundreds of pounds down and with no recourse, because it was there in the small print all along.

Scam 3: The work-from-home set-up scam

Congratulations! You've got the job! And it's work-from-home too, what a result! You just need to pay up front for some initial training and your computer equipment. Don't worry, you'll be reimbursed!

The only problem is that once you pay up, the job suddenly disappears. No-one contacts you, their phone numbers stop working and the website was fake, so you can't even chase anyone up. Worse – you've already handed your notice in, so now you're unemployed as well.

A common alternative is the fake cheque scam – you're sent a cheque to cover equipment costs, but after you've ordered the kit (from their approved website) the cheque bounces.

Scam 4: Identity theft

There's yet another fake job advert online – but this one doesn't want your money just yet. Things like date of birth, address, or even identity numbers may be included on the CV you've just uploaded. Personal details like that can be sold on!

Your identity is suddenly compromised, just because you uploaded a CV in response to what you thought was a genuine job advert. Working with a certified, UK-based CV writer ensures that the personal details on your CV are kept to the absolute minimum needed to process your application, helping to maintain security.

Red flags for job scams

If you're setting out on a job hunt, it's important to know how to identify job scams online. Beware these red flags and stop all communications immediately if you spot any:

A Gmail address
Communications via WhatsApp
Poor English / strange phrasing
You didn't apply for the job
No company website, or job not listed on the official company website
No LinkedIn presence
Vague adverts / high pay for low effort
Requests for payment
Sense of urgency

How to avoid job scams

Use these tips to check whether a job is real or whether you've received a fake job offer:

Check the source: Real recruiters don't initiate contact via WhatsApp. Neither do they use Gmail addresses or texts. Check the recruiter is contacting you from a professional source – ideally a company email address.
Check their LinkedIn profile: Real recruiters have credible career histories, thousands of contacts and plenty of recommendations. Scammers either have no profile at all, or a sparsely populated one with very few contacts. Try a reverse image search on the photo, too.
Confirm the job exists: Scammers often pretend to work for well-known businesses – those businesses won't mind if you contact them through their website or LinkedIn to confirm the job is real, as it helps them to prevent reputational damage.
Read reviews: A simple online search for the company, such as "[company name] reviews" or "is [company name] legit" can stop you getting your fingers burned, as people often post online about their experiences.
Don't share personal information: Never share personal details, especially bank account numbers, until you've accepted the job.
Check criteria: Job adverts with very vague or easy-to-meet requirements, such as "communication skills", can be signs of a scam – especially when paired with a higher-than-expected salary. Most roles, especially above entry-level, are far more specific.
Liaise with the bank: Your bank will be able to tell you if a cheque is valid - but it's probably not, if you're having to make purchases up front.
Step back: Scammers thrive on creating a feeling of urgency, so that you don't have time to think or query the process. Genuine recruiters won't pressure you or force you into on-the-spot decisions.

The golden rule is NEVER to part with money as part of a recruitment process. If you get bad vibes – trust your gut.

Job scam FAQs

Is it safe to share my CV online?

Most people are actually genuine and decent. More often than not, your CV will be safe if you share it online, but it's important to protect yourself. Use these tips for safe ways to share your CV:

Apply directly via the company website (don't follow any links you've been sent – use Google or type the address in yourself).
Minimise the personal details you include – there's no need for your date of birth, passport number, national insurance number, or almost anything else that can identify you. Your email address and phone number is enough for a recruiter to contact you if they need more info, without compromising your identity.
Only upload your CV to recognised job boards. Review privacy policies and delete your CV when you land a new role.

Where can I get CV writing help?

Don't wait for a fake recruiter to tell you that you need to invest in a CV! Research legitimate CV writers and find one that can meet your specific needs. The British Association of CV Writers vets all its registered members and Word Dragon has offered CV writing help to UK job seekers for over 16 years.

Can someone steal your identity from your CV?

It depends what information you include on your CV. Many CVs contain enough information to enable scammers to use your identity for fraud, money laundering or impersonation, or for them to sell on for use in spam campaigns. Minimise what you include.

Do real recruiters ever ask for money?

NO!!!

What to do if you're scammed by a "recruiter"

It's easy to get caught out, as these scammers are convincing and smart. Instead of blaming yourself, follow these steps:

Ignore and block - don't engage in any further communication
Report the scam to the police, Action Fraud and your bank
Get further help from Citizen's Advice
Leave reviews online to warn others

Genuine, certified job search support

As a certified UK CV service, Word Dragon has over 16 years' experience helping job seekers to create CVs that show the very best version of themselves. You can be sure that with a CV written by Word Dragon , your information is safe and your job search is getting off on the right foot.

What happened to CV Shed?

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 11:15:48 GMT

After trading for 15 years, first as a sole trader and later as a limited company, CV Shed was doing well. It had a good reputation, and previous customers were happy to recommend its CV writing services to friends and colleagues. So why can't you find it online now? Don't worry, it hasn't disappeared, CV Shed has a new name!

Did CV Shed close down?

CV Shed, as it was, stopped trading at the end of 2025 and formally closed in May 2026. The good news is that you can still get your CV written by the same business! CV Shed's new name is Word Dragon and it still produces the same bespoke CVs its customers have come to know and love.

Why has CV Shed got a new name?

With 15 years of CV-writing experience, CV Shed had accumulated a lot of specialist knowledge. The demand for that knowledge meant that CV Shed was able to branch out into writing blogs about CVs and job-search-related topics. As the requests for articles grew, topics expanded to include outplacement, interviews, career development and more. Later, editing was added to the mix, too. Sometimes there were even non-career related requests!

As a result, the name CV Shed no longer fitted. The company was offering more than just CVs, although that remained (and remains) at the heart of the business.

It was time to focus on the broader offering. Encompassing content writing and editing, as well as CVs, Word Dragon was born.

CV Shed is now Word Dragon!

The CV Shed name change means that the website has expanded and marketing and promotion can focus on all aspects of the business, so that potential clients are aware of the full range of services on offer.

Word Dragon offers exactly the same CV services as CV Shed, including CV evaluations , a job-search toolkit and full CV writing from scratch . On top of that, it has now formalised the careers content writing and editing services that have been going on in the background for years.

TL:DR

CV Shed is now Word Dragon, offering the same CV writing services it has always been known for, plus additional writing and editing services. Get in touch today to let Word Dragon breathe fire into your words!

AI as a CV writing tool

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 17:25:13 GMT

Can you use AI to write your CV? Yes, of course you can. But should you? That’s a more nuanced question. Let’s take a look at it from every angle, with perspectives from recruiters, CV writers and job seekers.

The job-seeker perspective on AI CVs

The job market is difficult at the moment, but it has never been easier to apply for jobs at pace and at volume. In theory, it’s possible to lose your job in the morning, create an AI CV at lunchtime, and apply for a hundred jobs before bedtime. That doesn’t mean it’s a good idea!

Yes, it’s easy to create a CV with AI - but remember that the quality of the output is only as good as the quality of the input. That includes both the prompt used and the data that the AI is drawing on to generate the output. The CV produced will necessarily be generic, based on the most common CV advice available and the information provided by the user. It will lack personality, but more importantly the AI won’t delve deeper to ask the questions that will make the CV unique and compelling.

As for applying at volume – well, that would mean using the same CV for every role. To really stand out, a CV should be tailored to the specific role it’s being used for. Even using AI, that will take time to achieve.

In its defence, an AI CV is free to write and that's a huge plus from the job-seeker's perspective – but a free AI CV that doesn’t land interviews is a waste of time that could be better spent doing something more productive.

The recruiter perspective on AI CVs

While some recruiters are happy to accept AI CVs, many more are not. Those that do seem to be recruiting for lower-level jobs, rather than leadership or executive roles . A common complaint is that the CVs they receive are not just written using AI, they have also been tailored by feeding the job advert into AI – resulting in numerous, almost identical CVs being received for the same role. This obviously makes shortlisting extremely difficult, and many recruiters are binning CVs that are clearly AI-generated as a result.

Recruiters are also being overwhelmed by the high volume of CVs they receive, now that applications are as easy as clicking a button. While those using AI to screen and reject CVs are very much still in the minority, AI tools are increasingly being used as part of the recruitment process. While humans are still the ultimate decision-makers, the time they can dedicate to each CV is decreasing, meaning that CVs need to work hard to stand out, rather than getting lost in the mass of similar AI-generated CVs. Recruitment processes also need to be more rigorous, and therefore longer, to cope with the volume and differentiate between candidates.

The CV writer perspective on AI CVs

The CV-writing industry has taken a hit since AI became mainstream, as work has been lost as clients choose AI over professional writers . Established CV writers are adapting in different ways. Some are integrating AI tools into their practice, while others are focusing on the human element. The best route, as so often in life, lies somewhere in between.

While AI-written CVs can be a strong starting block, they should never be used without some human intervention between the LLM and the job application. AI can produce a CV outline easily and can even populate each section with relevant data, if the right detail is provided. What they can’t yet do, that a human expert can, is identify specific skills, experience, and insight that the applicant may have and which they may not realise is relevant to their application. Nor can it tailor a CV to a role while maintaining the human touch, balance expertise with personality, or provide the reassurance and confidence that a human CV writer can.

What is the future of CVs?

AI is here to stay and can be a useful tool in both recruitment and job applications. However, both sides still need the human element, as trust is built on human bonds and communication. If we can’t achieve that, we’ll soon be living in a world where AI creates CVs, bots auto-apply to job adverts generated by other bots, so that another AI can shortlist candidates for an interview with another bot, which will be evaluated by yet another, until someone is informed they have a job they didn’t apply to in which they’ll be creating prompts for AI to do the work previously done by humans. It’s not just a dystopian nightmare; it’s a compliance and ethical nightmare too!

Until then, AI and humans must work together at every stage – and that includes writing CVs . A human CV writer can spot gaps, prioritise, draw out expertise, and present a rounded, human applicant who can not just do the job but can also fit in as part of the team.

Top tips for using AI to write a CV

AI can be used to structure a CV in line with best practice and to proof-read an existing CV – it performs well in this respect
Use very detailed prompts and responses to avoid an overly generic CV and bear in mind that the sources the AI is using to create the CV may not be considered best practice or relevant to your personal circumstances
As AI-generated CVs lack nuance, they should not be used until they have been reviewed by a human, to remove the robotic element and replace it with a warmer and more natural tone

TL:DR

AI can be used as a CV writing tool, but the CV generated should never be used without human amendments.

Speak to an expert

Whether you’re an AI fan or not, Word Dragon can help you to make sure that every CV you send out accurately represents you and positions you as a strong candidate for the job.

The full done-for-you CV writing service is completely AI free, ensuring that your CV is unique and tailored to you and your career aspirations. This service is best for those who aren’t getting results with their current CV or don’t have one prepared at all.

If you’ve already created an AI CV, the CV evaluation service balances that with human input – you’ll receive constructive feedback and suggestions that will help you to fine-tune your document. This option is best for those who are reasonably satisfied with their existing CV, keen to keep costs down, and don’t mind putting the time and effort into making the recommended changes.

Word Dragon services are all delivered by a human, with no AI input, so you can be sure that, whatever you order, you’re receiving a personal service tailored exactly to your needs. And AI can’t give you that confidence!

Contact Word Dragon to get your job search on the right track!

Follow along with an editing project

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:28:12 GMT

Louise first learned to ride a motorbike at the age of 50 and spent her retirement riding across Europe. She asked Word Dragon to edit her collection of travel notes and emails into a book, that she could sell at the end of talks about her experiences. Having discussed her requirements, we decided on a narrative and pulled the files into a roughly chronological order before the project began in earnest.

Following an initial read-through to evaluate how much work was required, I sent a summary of recommendations and a quotation based on a developmental edit of around 85,000 words.

Here's how a small piece of the writing progressed.

The original copy

In the first chapter, Louise passes her motorbike test and goes to buy some kit to wear on her new bike. This was her draft:

The ideas were there, but the text needed tidying up in terms of punctuation, readability and tone.

The edit

I made some minor changes directly in the text, highlighted in yellow on this example. This ensured that the punctuation was accurate and the voice and approach was consistent with the rest of the book. I also made some more substantial changes at sentence level, to improve the readability.

Louise had asked me to keep her voice and phrasing throughout, so I also added some comments. This showed clearly where she needed to provide more input and outlined what was necessary, enabling her to retain control.

The final version

Louise provided some additional text in response to my queries and we agreed on this final version.

Louise and I were happy with this version, which was incorporated into the final manuscript.

If you'd like Word Dragon's help in getting your manuscript up to scratch, contact me today for a quote!

Integrating digital media: going beyond the CV to land your next role

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 10:57:58 GMT

Despite repeated calls for the abolition of the CV, it has withstood the test of time. That’s because it does its job: it presents the candidate’s skills and experience to a recruiter or hiring manager, enabling them to make decisions on who to interview and who to reject. That’s not to say that CVs haven’t evolved. Digital media now has a place in the job search. Are you up to speed on the various ways that you can integrate digital media to land your next job?

You likely already have some kind of digital presence. When the emphasis is on showing your skills , rather than merely telling , it makes sense to make this proof of your expertise available for evaluation during your job search.

It’s a well-known fact that recruiters only spend a short time on their first evaluation of a CV – estimates generally range between 6 and 30 seconds. Attracting and retaining attention by integrating digital media can build credibility before you even step foot into an interview.

Digital media to promote yourself

The exact media you choose will depend on your career to date and the role you’re targeting. Consider the following options:

Anyone can set up a LinkedIn account and it’s a popular site for job seekers. If you’re not familiar with the concept, it’s a combination of an online CV, a networking site and a job board. After building a personal profile page, you can connect to others and create posts to boost your visibility.

Crucially, you can add more detail than you can on a conventional CV , including examples of your work, visuals and projects. Contacts can endorse the skills you list and even write you a public recommendation. As LinkedIn is a popular site for recruiters, it’s well worth maintaining an active presence on the site and filling in your profile as fully as possible.

Portfolios

Creatives , such as writers and designers, can benefit from an online portfolio of work. This should be a showcase of your best output, ideally for different projects, clients or brands, to show a potential employer what you’re capable of.

CVs with portfolio links are a popular and easy way to promote yourself. While established professionals may already have a dedicated portfolio page, it’s easy to set one up – a free website builder or a site such as Medium will do the job if you don’t have the digital skills or budget to create one from scratch.

Websites

Freelancers or business owners are likely to have their own website. As well as establishing professional credibility, a website enables hiring managers to fully understand exactly what you do and the services you offer. The About pages, plus any testimonials from satisfied clients, can be a valuable source of information about you and your expertise.

Professional forums

Industry contributions are valued and show off your knowledge and commitment. Contributions to relevant forums can be a great selling point – for example, Software Developers may be able to point to their GitHub page.

Podcasts and videos

If you’ve created, or appeared on, podcasts or videos relating to your role or industry, that’s a great bonus. While the recruiter isn’t likely to sit and listen to hours of content, they may check out a few snippets. Even if they don’t, the fact that you’ve been proactive enough to involve yourself so deeply in your career (or been considered an expert worthy of an appearance in someone else’s content) speaks volumes about your commitment and knowledge.

Find out about the battle between traditional and video CVs here!

Integrating digital media into a CV

When evaluating a CV, recruiters and hiring managers will initially be looking at your experience – job titles, skills, qualifications , training, and so on. The digital media shouldn’t replace or take over the CV. Think of it rather as an added extra, to strengthen your application.

Hyperlinks

Use hyperlinks to add digital media to your CV, to avoid clutter. For example, to add a LinkedIn profile to your CV in Word, type “LinkedIn”, highlight the word, choose “insert” from the menu, then “link”, and add the URL in the “address” line.

It’s recommended that the links are added alongside the contact details – for example:

QR codes

While QR codes are growing in popularity, they’re not common yet on CVs. It will take time for a recruiter to either scan the code from a separate device or to use software to scan it on the device they’re already using. Job searching is all about making the recruiter’s job easier. While one (reasonably sized) QR code on your CV won’t hurt your chances, it likely won’t help them much either at this stage.

What NOT to do when integrating digital media into your CV

When considering which links to add to your CV, bear in mind the following:

Don’t add links to personal social media pages – keep all links professional and relevant to the role you’re applying for
Don’t substitute digital media for critical information – if something is key to your application it should be on your CV, not hidden away in a different place
Don’t link excessively – for example, if you’ve published five thought leadership articles, try to gather them in one place and use one link, rather than five
Check the links work before sending the CV – broken links are unhelpful and unprofessional

Final thoughts

Integrating digital media into your job search can give you a competitive edge, enabling you to show off your best work, provide more information about yourself and build your personal brand. Adding digital media links to your existing CV is an easy and discreet way to present a rounded application.

For an evaluation of your CV , or to ask a professional to create a CV for you from scratch , visit Word Dragon for information about the services on offer .

From Da Vinci to LinkedIn: A comparison of CVs through the ages

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 14:05:31 GMT

Has your CV moved with the times? From Da Vinci’s handwritten letter of 1482 – often considered the first ever CV – to a digital LinkedIn profile, this post takes a look at how job applications have evolved and what we can learn from the work of geniuses.

The fifteenth century

Leonardo Da Vinci is credited with writing the first ever CV, when he wrote to the Duke of Milan to ask for a job. And actually, given that he didn’t have access to the multitude of internet resources we have available at our fingertips today, he did a pretty good job.

What Leonardo did right:

Explained exactly what he could do… in a way that was personalised to the Duke
Showed what problems he could solve
Used bullet points

What he could have done better:

Used less words to get his points across
Named his previous employers and what he was employed to do for them
Cut out his less relevant skills

And we can’t blame him, but handwriting in Latin wouldn’t get you far these days.

The twentieth century

Bill Gates overcame Leonardo’s problem by using a typewriter and writing his CV in English, so he’s already streaks ahead.

What Bill Gates did right:

Listed skills relevant to the desired position
Structured his CV in reverse-chronological order
Showcased relevant experience and education in his target sector

What he could have done better:

Changed the objective statement into a profile statement
Left off the personal details of height, weight and dependents
Added the impact and outcomes of the projects he worked on

He hadn’t invented Microsoft Word at this point, so the presentation still leaves something to be desired.

The twenty-first century

While the presentation of CVs is important these days, LinkedIn has gone some way to standardising professional information, enabling users to create online CVs. Stephen Hawking rose to the top of his game, which is shown clearly on his profile.

What Stephen Hawking’s profile does right:

Fills out all key sections in full
Isn’t too wordy
Focuses on his specialisms and achievements

What could be done better:

Expand his professional network (might be more beneficial if he was still alive)
Avoid use of comedy (current occupation listed as Grave in Westminster Abbey)
Get some endorsements and recommendations from others in the field

Today

These days, CVs combine the best of all these attempts. Like Leonardo’s they show what the applicant can contribute and explain which problems they can solve. Like Bill Gates’ they highlight the most relevant skills for the target job and like Stephen Hawking’s they are comprehensive and show off areas of expertise.

The CV today is more like a sales and marketing document than a dry list of facts – Leonardo understood this better than Bill Gates! However, Bill understood the importance of structure and consistency. Despite the flaws in their CVs, it didn’t stop Leonardo, Bill and Stephen rising to the top of their field.

From the handwritten to the typed to the word-processed to the digital, the way we apply for roles has changed significantly since Leonardo first put quill to paper. Today, LinkedIn lets us build professional networks and apply for jobs at the touch of a button. Even though he might not recognise the technology, Leonardo would no doubt have a wide network, an all-star profile, and Dukes knocking his door down to employ him.

A CV fit for modern times

Is your CV stuck in the nineties? Are you making the same mistakes as Leonardo in 1482? To ensure you’re applying for jobs with a CV suitable for the modern job market, contact Word Dragon . With services for every budget , you’ll soon be well positioned to compete against twenty-first century high-flyers.

How to show leadership skills on your CV – with examples

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 12:57:24 GMT

Looking for a step up in your career? You need a CV that shows off your leadership skills. Whether you’ve been in a formal leadership role before or not, there’s plenty you can do to prove to recruiters and hiring managers that you’re ready for this next challenge. Let’s dive into how to show off leadership skills on your CV.

How to decide which leadership skills to include on a CV

Every leadership role is different, so the required skills will be different too. The easiest way to find out what skills to prioritise on your CV is to review job adverts for roles you’re interested in, to see which skills keep popping up. You could also check out the LinkedIn profiles of people in roles you’re interested in, to see what they’re emphasising.

Which skills are in demand?

Regardless of which role you apply for, certain leadership skills never go out of fashion. Consider adding some of the following top 10 leadership skills to your CV:

Team building
Performance improvement
Negotiation
Influencing
Conflict resolution
Decision-making
Problem solving
Delegation
Empathy / emotional intelligence
Vision

Where to add leadership skills on a CV

The most obvious place to list leadership skills on a CV is in the Skills section . That’s certainly a great place to drop in some of the key skills you’ve identified from job adverts (as long as you genuinely have them!) – but don’t stop there!

A list of skills is all well and good, but anyone can say they have any skill. The impact comes by proving you have those skills. Therefore, in addition to listing keywords in your Skills section, it’s also important to dive a bit deeper in the Professional Experience section. Try to give concrete examples of times you’ve used particular skills… and the positive outcome that you achieved for the business by using that skill.

For inspiration, check out these examples of proven leadership skills:

Achieved a 5% increase in productivity by building a stronger team through cross-training, social events and recognition for outstanding performance
Reduced effort spent on month-end processes by 8 hours per month by solving a long-term problem with data collection
Delivered a 15% cost saving by negotiating improved terms and prices with key suppliers

As well as introducing skills as keywords and achievements , you could also choose a few skills that are critical to the role to showcase in your Profile section. For example:

An empathetic HR leader, with insight across the full employee lifecycle and the ability to drive change . Focuses on employee engagement , developing communications plans that support attraction, retention and performance improvement . Recognised as a hands-on leader, who can scale teams, systems and processes in rapidly-growing, fast-paced businesses. Driven by solving problems through happier people.

Don’t forget to add any leadership programmes and courses to your Professional Development section, too!

Stepping into your first leadership role

Of course, it’s much easier to write a leadership CV if you’ve already worked in a leadership role. But everyone needs to start somewhere! If you’re writing a CV for your first leadership position, you may find yourself feeling a bit light on skills to include. Don’t worry! You probably already have some leadership skills that you can draw on.

Consider times you’ve shown leadership in your current and previous roles, even if it isn’t a normal part of your remit. For example, you may have trained a new starter, covered for the boss while they were on holiday, or solved a problem that benefitted the entire team.

The CV doesn’t have to be entirely focused on work, though. Hiring teams are interested in the whole person, so if you’ve gained skills elsewhere don’t be afraid to shout about them. You can mention skills gained while leading a sports team, volunteering , or organising community events, to name a few.

Common mistakes when writing a leadership CV

Don’t trip up with these common leadership CV mistakes:

Assuming your reader knows what you did : the hiring manager has probably never met you and knows that every role is different – even when they have the same job title. Ensure you give a solid overview of your leadership skills and experience – it’s a good way to add more keywords to your CV too!

Not including achievements: saying you have skills is one thing - but proving you have them is another. Solid evidence of your skills is a quick way to get your CV to the top of the “Yes!” pile.

Missing metrics: great leaders deliver great results, so quantify the impact of your achievements and the scope of your role wherever possible.

Ask for help with your leadership CV!

Of course, you know that delegation is a necessary leadership skill! If you’re tying yourself in knots trying to create the perfect leadership CV, or you’re just too busy leading to find time to do it yourself, it’s fine to delegate that task too!

Word Dragon is an established CV writing service that can help you to create the perfect leadership CV. Just place your order, have a chat, and receive a professional CV showing off your top leadership skills. With services for every budget , you’ll be stepping up the career ladder in no time!

Tips and tricks for a stand-out CV

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 14:58:02 GMT

With tens, if not hundreds, of applications for every advertised vacancy, your application needs a stand-out CV to grab the hiring manager’s attention. There are plenty of tricks you can use to make sure your CV is as unique and memorable as you are, so let’s explore the top five tips for getting your application to the top of the pile.

1. Write for your audience

Don’t assume your reader knows what you do. It’s likely that the first people to review your application will be recruiters or members of the HR team – they probably don’t have in-depth insight into what your role entails.

Therefore, ensure that for every job you list, you briefly summarise the remit of the role and what it involves. Take care not to use acronyms, internal jargon, or project names – that’s a surefire way to alienate your reader. Write so that a stranger on the street or a teenager could easily grasp what you do.

2. Focus on impact and contribution

An extensive list of your duties and responsibilities is dull. It doesn’t grab attention or engage the reader. Instead, focus on the impact you’ve had and how you’ve contributed to the business. Show that you understand how your role sits within the wider business and that you’d be a worthwhile investment.

The easiest way to create a stand-out CV is to list some quantifiable achievements . For every positive impact, try to include figures showing the positive outcome for the business.

3. Use a professional format

Grabbing a recruiter’s attention is great – as long as they’re noticing you for the right reasons, not the wrong ones. CVs are generally presented in the same way as a business report – that is to say, in a clean, single-column, easy to navigate manner. While logos and graphics might get noticed, they don’t add any value and aren’t considered very professional. They also don’t always get read accurately when your CV is scanned into an applicant tracking system.

Templates downloaded from Word or Canva aren’t created by CV or recruitment professionals – avoid over-designed layouts in favour of a simple yet professional layout . Alternatively, download this free CV template !

4. Pay attention to details

The presentation of your CV matters, as it will often form someone’s first impression of you. If your dates are in different formats, your headings are different sizes, your margins aren’t consistently justified, and you’ve used multiple fonts, it really doesn’t say a lot about the time, care and attention you’ve put into the application.

Proofreading is time well invested. As well as checking your own CV, you can rope in friends and family and use free online tools to pick over it until it hits perfection.

5. Present a consistent story

Your CV should tell the same story as your LinkedIn profile , which in turn should tell the same story as your cover letter or application form. Inconsistencies in dates, company names, and focus don’t just say volumes about your lack of attention to detail – they’re also a red flag to recruiters who may think you’re being flexible with the truth.

While tailoring your CV to the role is advisable, the key information you present should remain the same across every medium.

Bonus tip: outsource your stand-out CV!

If creating a stand-out CV on your own seems like a tall order, there’s help at hand. Word Dragon offers CV writing services for job-seekers from every industry, ensuring that you can present an attention-grabbing CV whatever your budget. Get in touch for a personal service.

Product comparison

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 14:54:22 GMT

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The different types of CV service

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 14:39:23 GMT

As many people will be kicking their new years’ resolutions into gear this week and taking the initial steps towards landing a new job, now is the ideal time to think about what CV services are out there to help.

Depending on your budget and how much support is needed, there are various options available to make sure the CV you’re presenting is as strong as it can possibly be. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each service.

CV advice

There are many people and blogs out there that provide advice on CVs. This is the cheapest option, as you’ll be doing all the research and writing yourself, but you may have to wade through a lot of conflicting information and assess what’s worth listening to and what isn’t.

Pros: Free

Cons: Need to do all the work yourself

CV template

A CV template is a cheap or free option and a good choice if you’re having trouble getting started. You’ll have the section headings and layout provided for you, but you’ll still need to develop the wording yourself.

There are numerous CV templates available online, but the main drawback is that many of them emphasise graphics and over-formatted layouts over content and function. This type of presentation can be detrimental to your application, as recruiters and hiring managers (as a rule) prefer straightforward, text-only CVs. They can find the information they’re looking for immediately and aren’t distracted by graphics, logos or columns.

Pros: Free, useful starting point

Cons: Formats often not recommended, sometimes hard to customise

CV review

For those that are happy to write their own CV, a CV review can help to iron out the creases, make sure the document is in line with best practice and ensure you’re really presenting the very best version of you.

There are two types of CV review – paid and unpaid. Whilst a free review may sound like the better option, they’re often offered with the intention of deliberately finding fault with the CV in order to upsell to a more expensive paid service – which may not be needed. While there is a small cost associated with a paid review, you’re more likely to receive unbiased, constructive, actionable and personalised feedback.

Pros: Useful to polish a CV you’ve written yourself

Cons: Free services may not be all they seem

CV builder

Similar to a CV template, a CV builder provides more help with structuring the CV and some even suggest wording. However, the onus is still on you to ensure you’re including the relevant information and wording it appropriately. You’ll be asked to enter your details online, which will be used to generate your CV.

Pros: Takes out some of the guesswork, provides tips and suggestions

Cons: Still need to do most of the work yourself, options to customise are limited

CV writing from scratch

This is the ultimate CV service – a full CV, written for you from scratch. While the cost involved with this is higher than for any other CV service, you’ll collaborate with a professional CV writer who knows exactly what’s needed in terms of wording and layout to make an impact.

If you’re considering this option, it’s important to do your due diligence so that you get value for money. Ensure you choose a writer certified by the British Association of CV Writers and check out this blog on how to choose a CV writer .

Pros: CV written for you, saves time, meets best practice, builds confidence, gives a new perspective, shows off your value to a prospective employer, ensures you stand out in the crowd

Cons: Cost

Word Dragon’s CV services

Remember that the strongest CVs are ones that are tailored to you and your career aspirations. Even someone doing the same job as you shouldn't have the same wording on their CV. Rather than sending out generic CVs that don't have the impact you need, you should be aiming for a unique, attention-grabbing document that shows how your skills and experience align perfectly with the requirements of the role.

Word Dragon is committed to providing value for money and a personalised service. Find out more about the CV evaluation and full CV writing services or read more from the blog here .

How to write a personal statement for a CV

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 14:57:33 GMT

Best practice dictates that a modern CV includes a compelling personal statement. It’s also referred to as a Summary or Professional Profile . In this article, we’re looking at the purpose of a CV personal statement and how to write one that hooks your reader in.

What is the purpose of the personal statement on a CV?

The personal statement is the first thing your reader will see on your CV. For that reason, it needs to be compelling enough to make them want to read on to find out more about you. Think of it as your personal sales pitch, that shows the recruiter or hiring manager how well you meet their requirements . A well-written and persuasive personal statement on a CV is key in getting the reader on your side. If you get it right, you’ll make a great first impression.

What does a personal statement include?

A strong personal statement doesn’t follow a set formula, but will often cover some or all of these points:

What you do
What you specialise in
Your key skills relevant to the role you’re applying for
A major achievement from your career
What you can contribute to a new business

Remember, the reader has never met you before and – if they’re from the HR team or an external recruiter – they may not understand the intricacies of your role. It’s worth asking a friend or family member with no knowledge of your job to read your final personal statement, to ensure that it’s accessible to a lay person.

Top tips on writing a winning personal statement for your CV

The style you write in will have an impact on how you’re perceived. Best practice CV personal statements comply with the following guidelines:

Positioned at the top of the CV, directly under the contact details
Short and punchy – between 4 – 6 lines at most
Written in the third person
Avoids jargon and acronyms
Doesn’t simply summarise your career to date
Shows why you are the right person for the role
Weaves in a few keywords from the job advert
Doesn't use generic cliche phrases such as " good team player ", "enthusiastic" or "hardworking"

Personal statement examples

We’ve discussed why a good personal statement is necessary on a CV, what it should contain, and how to write one. It’s time to look at some personal statement examples, to illustrate those recommendations.

A commercially astute Finance Director, with a proven ability to deliver change, transformation and business growth. Combines strong technical skills with extensive operational insight and a strategic approach. Enables business success by ensuring financial stability, robust controls and efficient processes. Confident setting the overall direction of a company and able to influence up to Board level.

A globally-experienced Events Director, with advanced skills in B2B sales, client service and business turnaround. Manages the full lifecycle of global events projects, controlling multi-million-pound budgets and driving client acquisition and retention. Recognised as a strong leader who builds high-performing sales teams to consistently exceed targets and deliver strong growth. Achieved 135% of revenue targets in 2024.

An award-winning High-Risk Security Advisor, combining a military background with relevant qualifications. Considered to be an empowering and inspirational leader, committed to building trust and developing cohesive teams. Possesses an in-depth understanding of security in high-risk and hostile environments, consistently making sound decisions in critical situations and remaining calm under pressure. Confident planning and delivering inclusive training across multiple topics.

A creative Director of Communications, with expertise in the higher education sector. Combines a natural aptitude for creating engaging internal and external communications with extensive broadcast, print and digital media expertise. Takes a collegiate and collaborative approach, building trusting relationships. Able to manage change and complexity by taking a strategic approach.

An innovative Data Science Lead, with particular skills in analytics, big data and financial modelling in a highly regulated environment. Recognised as an influential leader, committed to inclusion and staff development. Partners well with multidisciplinary teams, building positive relationships up to C-suite and with external parties.

A financially astute Head of Sales, with both national and international experience in delivering digital solutions to public and private sector clients. Able to recruit, lead and develop effective sales teams that achieve stretching targets. Confident defining sales and marketing strategies that influence and align with key business objectives and organisational culture. Develops sound business plans that quickly achieve profitability.

A collaborative Artist Manager, specialising in promotions, publishing and programming within the contemporary classical music industry. Leads the strategic career development of artists and promotes their work at international music venues and festivals. Combines an impressive network of senior industry contacts across the globe with a natural aptitude for relationship management. Confident planning and forecasting budgets and negotiating contracts.

Need more help?

If you’re not used to writing CV personal statements, the style can seem a little strange at first. If you need further advice or support with any aspect of your CV, why not call in professional help? Word Dragon has prices for every budget – take a look at the services on offer !

How far back should a CV go?

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 14:07:03 GMT

When it comes to writing CVs , anyone who’s established in their career will find themselves asking “how far back should a CV go?”. The short answer is 10-15 years. It’s not a concrete rule, though, so let’s explore the thinking behind it and when there might be exceptions.

How much work experience on a CV is appropriate?

As a general rule, the Professional Experience section of a CV should go into detail for the last 10 to 15 years of your career. That’s because, usually, that represents your most senior, relevant, and recent experience. Anything you did before that is unlikely to be particularly relevant to your next steps and probably won’t sell your key skills persuasively to a recruiter or hiring manager.

What detail is needed in the Professional Experience section?

For roles you’ve held in the last 10-15 years, recruiters will expect to see a brief summary of the remit of your role and a bulleted list of your achievements in that position. Both parts should include quantifiable data wherever possible, to help them understand the scale and scope of your contributions. Don’t forget to include a sub-heading with the job title, employer name, and dates of employment for every role you include here.

Should earlier roles be deleted?

There’s no reason to discount your earlier career entirely. It can be helpful to recruiters to see how you’ve progressed and got to where you are today, it’s just that they don’t need as much detail. It’s recommended that you create an Early Career Summary section, listing just your job titles, employer names, and years of employment. In fact, if you’re worried about age discrimination , you can eliminate the dates altogether. No further detail is required for any role in this section.

When you’re creating this section, it’s entirely up to you how far back you go. If you only have two or three roles in this section, you can include them all. If there are rather more, you can choose to list every single one or you can remove the earlier ones – particularly if they’re not relevant to your more recent career. A Saturday job in a newsagent can safely be removed if you’re aiming for a Head of IT role, for example.

What are the exceptions to the rule on how far back a CV should go?

Of course, where there are rules there are also exceptions, so use your judgement on how far back your CV goes in detail. Always view the CV through the eyes of your reader. Will earlier roles help a hiring manager to decide whether to invite you to an interview? Do they show off any skills that your more recent roles don’t? There are several common exceptions, for example:

A career break

If you’ve had a career break within the last 10-15 years, it’s sensible for the experience section of your CV to go back further. For example, someone taking 5 years out to raise a family could add that period to the recommended 10-15 years, meaning their CV will cover the last 15-20 years in the Professional Experience section. That would include a brief one- or two-line explanation for the gap.

A change of direction

If you fancy a career change , you may find that experience gained earlier in your career is more relevant to your next steps than your more recent experience. In that case, you can write your recent experience in just a few lines and dedicate more space to your earlier career. Remember to summarise anything that’s not important, to avoid the CV getting too long or repetitive. If you’re considering a career change, you could check out https://uk.jooble.org/ for vacancies in your field.

Additional skills

If you gained skills early in your career that would be relevant to your next steps, you can expand on your earlier career if those skills aren’t evident elsewhere on the CV. As always, minimise irrelevant detail.

Focus on what your reader wants to see

A good rule of thumb when writing the Professional Experience section on your CV is to focus on what will help your reader. Prioritise information that will sell you into the role you’re applying for and summarise (or delete) anything else.

Next steps

We’ve discussed how far back a CV should go, when it’s OK to break the rules, and what information can safely be removed. You have all the information you need to create an engaging Professional Experience section that aligns perfectly with the requirements of your ideal job .

If you’re still unsure, it may be time to call in some help. Have you considered a professional CV writing service ? Word Dragon has over 15 years’ experience, excellent customer testimonials, and is a certified member of the British Association of CV Writers. Order today from Word Dragon for a confidence-building CV that lands interviews.

How Tracey navigated a major career change

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 07:57:48 GMT

The client

Tracey had been in her role for 14 years, working from home full time as she raised her son. As her son got older and the company she worked for seemed less secure, she decided to dust off her CV and see what else was available.

The problem

Tracey had worked in corporate roles for 25 years and in accounts for 14. Having recently started an interior design course, she decided to aim for a career change – but had no relevant experience. She also wanted to transition from working at home to a hybrid role and needed something flexible enough that she could still look after her dog during the day.

The solution

We created a CV that showed off her love of interiors and textiles whilst also ensuring that everything she’d achieved in her latest role came across strongly. The new CV positioned her as an Accounts Manager with a background and interest in interior design. The layout was updated and brought in line with current best practice, and we added a line about the interiors course she was working on.

The result

Tracey was soon contacted by a recruiter asking her to apply for a role that ticked all of her boxes. She was offered a position working in accounts at an interior design company in London and was the Director’s preferred candidate as her interest in interiors came through strongly on the CV. She was able to negotiate one day a week working from home and is able to take her dog to London for her in-office days. Despite not actively looking for a new job and only sending her CV to one recruiter, Tracey was offered her new job less than 3 months after we created her new CV.

If your career needs a shot in the arm like Tracey’s, Word Dragon offers services at every price point , from free blog advice to a constructive feedback option and a full-service CV re-write. Why not see how Word Dragon can help you?

How to write an executive CV

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 16:37:56 GMT

Aiming for an executive role? As you move up the career ladder, you need to prove to recruiters that you have the skills, experience and qualifications to deliver at the higher grades you’re aiming for. In this blog post, we’ll look into how to take your CV from entry-level to Board-level. Read on to develop an executive CV that fills you – and hiring managers – with confidence.

Main requirements of an executive CV

In line with all CVs, your executive CV should cover the following main categories:

Header
Profile
Key Skills
Professional Experience
Qualifications and Professional Development

As an executive, you may have other sections to add, such as Awards, Publications, Keynotes, Community Leadership and Volunteering.

How to write an executive CV

Let’s look at those key sections in detail.

Header on an executive CV

It goes without saying that you need to include your name, email address and phone number here. As an executive, you probably also have a LinkedIn profile – add a link to the profile so that recruiters can check out your online presence easily. You should also add your location, in the form of town and postcode or, alternatively, you could state that you’re open to relocation.

The header is a great place to add an executive headline as well. In its simplest form, you can use your current or target job title or specify your industry. To take it up a notch, use this as an opportunity to very briefly state your USP, or Unique Selling Point. For example, “COO specialising in business turnaround” or “Technology Director with expertise in cost reduction”.

Profile on an executive CV

Your profile is your opportunity to sell yourself briefly into the role. This is your elevator pitch, so there’s no room for waffle and padding – you have just 4 or 5 lines to convince the reader that your application is worthy of consideration. State what you do and reiterate any skills and experience you have that align with the job advert. You may also like to explain the value you can add to a business and what you can contribute. Avoid generic phrases and cliches here - focus on what you can offer that others can't.

Skills on an executive CV

As an executive, your CV needs to move past the generic “ communication skills ” and “works well in a team and independently”. At this stage of your career, it will be assumed that you have those most basic skills. Focus instead on higher level skills that hiring managers are looking for. Don't forget to highlight any skills you have that are specifically requested in the job advert.

In-demand executive skills include leadership, strategy development, change and transformation, cost saving, process improvement, business turnaround, revenue generation and so on. Any skills you claim to have in this section should be backed up by examples in your Professional Experience section.

In addition to these popular executive skills, there are some attributes that are viewed favourably at any stage of a career but which are often forgotten – things such as digital literacy, cultural awareness, equality, diversity and inclusion, commercial acumen, mentoring and environmental awareness.

Professional experience on an executive CV

As with CVs at any level, this section should be laid out in reverse-chronological order. For every role you’ve held, create a sub-heading stating your job title, employer name, dates of employment and, if you’ve had an international career, the country you were based in.

Summarise the remit of each role in a few brief sentences and then add bullet points to show off your achievements in each position. It’s especially important to include quantifiable achievements on an executive CV, as hiring managers will need to know how you can have an impact. The value you’ve delivered before can be a good indicator of the value you’re likely to deliver in the future, and it provides credible proof of your skills.

Remember there’s no need to exhaustively list everything you’ve done in every role. Include only the information relevant to the position you’re applying for and remember that detail can be added at interview stage. Similarly, roles held over 10 years ago can be summarised in a line or two.

Qualifications on an executive CV

Once you hit executive level, your qualifications become less important so they can be demoted to the bottom of your CV. O-levels, GCSEs and A-levels can be removed entirely. Degrees should always be included, along with the subject and awarding institution, and MBAs are often viewed positively in executive applications.

Professional Development on an executive CV

The Professional Development section can be merged with the Qualifications section, if either is looking a bit light.

Here, you can list any relevant courses and certificates you’ve completed. Remember that the key word here is “relevant”. Courses completed over 10 years ago can be removed unless they’re particularly well-recognised or in demand, as can courses that have no bearing on your ability to do the role – such as qualifying as a scuba instructor when you’re applying for roles in logistics. Leadership development courses and industry accreditations, on the other hand, are valuable and should certainly be added.

How to level up your executive CV

Now you have your basic executive CV completed, how can you take it to the next level?

The best way to make your CV stand out is to add some quantifiable results for every role you’ve held in the last 10 years or so. Consider whether you can quantify any strong outcomes you’ve delivered, such as KPIs, targets, costs, profits, time savings, projects and transformations. If your memory needs nudging, rummage back through your performance appraisals.

Awards are a great way to add credibility to your executive CV, as they show that someone else values your work. It doesn’t matter if they’re individual or team awards, or internal or external awards - the simple fact that you were recognised enables you to show your value on your CV.

Have you delivered any keynote speeches or presentations, or had an article or book published? Thought leadership is a valued attribute at the moment, so make sure your CV shows this off.

Don’t forget to add any additional credentials too – this could be membership or fellowship of an industry body, accreditations or licences.

What you’ve done outside of work matters too! Depending on how much space you have free, you can highlight additional skills by including any external Board memberships or voluntary roles that show the higher-level skills that recruiters are looking for.

What NOT to do on an executive CV

Now you know what to include, let’s look at what an executive CV should never include:

Photo: Anti-discrimination legislation means that your looks should never be taken into account during the recruitment and selection process. If you choose to include a photo for any reason, you could be inviting discrimination.

References: If references are required, you’ll be asked for them further along in the hiring process. There’s no need to waste valuable space on your CV by adding details that aren’t required at this early stage.

Outdated information: Focus on the last 10 years, then summarise or delete anything else. Recruiters are interested in what you can do now, not what you could do 25 years ago (can you even remember yourself what you were doing then?!).

Potentially discriminating information: That includes date of birth, nationality, citizenship and family. They don’t affect your ability to do a job. Think of your CV as your personal marketing tool and only include information that sells you into the position. UK recruiters should really ignore this information anyway.

Too much detail: Aim for two pages but if, after ruthless editing, you find you need three, go for it. One of the main challenges of an executive CV is condensing a long career into a short space but, by keeping the CV recent and relevant, two or three pages is definitely feasible.

Cliches: Leave the “hardworking” and “enthusiastic” cliches for the school leavers. By the time you’ve worked your way up to executive level, you should have something more interesting and engaging to say about your career and your approach.

Graphics and images: You may have seen online templates using graphics, images, skills bars, icons and logos – but such CVs rarely perform well. Stick to text-only, single-column formats with a standard font.

Example executive CV

Wondering how all that advice fits together to create a winning executive CV? Wonder no more. Take a look at this example that you can use as inspiration for your own executive CV template.

Step confidently into an executive role

Now you’ve fine-tuned your executive CV, you’re ready to start applying for your next position and develop your career even further. If you’re still unsure whether your CV hits the mark, if you need further guidance, or even if you just want an executive CV writer to take the whole job off your hands, help isn’t far away. Take a look at Word Dragon’s services to see what further help is available. With an extensive background in executive CV writing, you'll be on your way to the Board in no time.

Infographic - Top tips for writing a leadership CV

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 12:14:25 GMT

How do you show leadership on a CV? It's easy when you know how.

If it's time to upgrade your basic, entry-level CV to show you're ready for leadership, this infographic gives you 4 ways to achieve just that. You'll be the leader of the pack in no time!

Need a bit more help? Word Dragon has extensive experience in producing leadership and management CVs that win interviews. Find out more about services and prices here!

CV myths – not all CV advice is created equal!

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 15:10:05 GMT

With the vast amounts of free CV advice available in every corner of the internet, it’s time to investigate what’s worth listening to and what you can confidently ignore.

CV myth #1 – you should hide keywords in white text on your CV

Just… no. This is not a good idea. The theory behind this CV myth is that when recruiters search their database of CVs, your CV will pop up every time because it will be full of the search terms recruiters are using. Some maniacs even go so far as to suggest that you paste the entire job advert into your CV, in a tiny white font.

The thing is, even if a recruiter does find your CV using a keyword search, they won’t progress an application if you don’t have the right skills and experience for the role. And don’t forget - if you’re wise to this trick, so are the recruiters. I also suspect, though I have no proof for this, that once your CV is saved on a database, all text is automatically saved in black anyway and your deception will be laid bare for all to see.

Instead of going along with this nonsense, weave relevant keywords into your CV naturally and focus on writing it so that your relevant skills and experience are clearly shown throughout.

CV myth #2 – recruiters only spend 6 seconds looking at your CV

There have been various claims regarding how long recruiters spend looking at your CV, from 6 seconds upwards. Such claims should be taken with a pinch of salt – for a start, every recruiter is different and will spend a different amount of time on each CV. Secondly, the original source of this statistic is over 12 years old now – even the update of 7.4 seconds is over 5 years old. Other studies have come up with wildly different estimates, but it’s the six second claim that seems to have gained traction.

However long a recruiter spends looking at your CV, the theory here is sound – first impressions matter. It can only be to your advantage to apply with a well-presented CV , where the most important, relevant and persuasive information is easy to spot.

CV myth #3 – your CV will be rejected by an ATS

On one hand, applicant tracking systems do exist. On the other hand, they’re just a digital filing system and they’re not out to get you. You can read more about applicant tracking systems here , but the short version is: text only, use keywords, don’t panic. The businesses shouting that your CV won’t be read by a human are scaremongering to part you with your hard-earned money. They don’t have the secret to “beating the bots”, because that’s just not a thing.

CV myth #4 – your CV must be two pages

Who says? If you don’t have enough experience to fill two pages, use one. If you can’t fit it all on two pages, use three. Two pages is a good length to aim for, but guess what? Size doesn’t matter! Obviously presenting a wordy 10-pager is pushing your luck, but if you write with the aim of concisely selling your suitability for the role you can’t go far wrong. Find out more in this blog about the perfect length for your CV .

CV myth #5 – you must include all of your experience

Your CV is your personal sales document . You only need to include information that will sell you into a role. You can reduce or eliminate information that doesn’t support that goal. There’s no law that says what you must include and no penalty for not mentioning something irrelevant.

CV writing without the nonsense

If you’re having trouble sorting internet myth from fact, Word Dragon can help you to write a CV that shows exactly why you’re the right person for the role. With services at every price point, why not see how I can help you ?

The best CV keywords for success

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 13:23:42 GMT

The best CV keywords are the ones that prove you can fulfil the requirements of the vacant role. With the right keywords, you’ll ensure that your CV is found in recruiter searches and impress the reader with your skills and abilities. But what are the best CV keywords and how can you incorporate them naturally throughout your CV?

In this article, we explore how to find out which words will make your CV stand out, suggest some dynamic verbs to consider, and explain how to weave keywords into your CV in a way that showcases your suitability for the role.

Finding appropriate CV keywords

There are several ways of identifying appropriate CV keywords. Job adverts provide plenty of clues, but you can use your own knowledge to supplement your research too. Consider these techniques:

Use the job advert

One of the best ways to identify CV keywords is by analysing the job advert. Locate the Person Specification or Requirements section of the advert and highlight words and phrases that the role demands. These are the critical keywords you’ll need to include in your CV.

For example, let’s take a look at this advert:

The CV keywords to include would be:

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
SENCO qualification
Special educational needs
SEN legislation, policies and best practice
Communication
Building relationships
Work collaboratively
Multidisciplinary team

Create a word cloud

If you don’t have a particular job in mind at this stage, you can still pull together a master CV that you can simply tweak to fit the job requirements as you apply. In that case, pull together some adverts of roles in the general area that you’re interested in. You can either take the long route, by picking out the CV keywords from every advert, or you can copy and paste the relevant sections of the adverts into a word cloud generator to see what words and phrases are coming up time and time again.

Leverage your own knowledge

As well as using the information provided in the advert, you can also rely on your own knowledge of the role and the industry. Which words and phrases would a UK recruiter or hiring manager expect to see on your CV? That’s not to say that you should cram your document with jargon and acronyms – quite the opposite. Remember that the first person to read your CV may not have direct experience of the role themselves. For example, it may be reviewed by someone in the HR department or an external recruiter.

Even though jargon and acronyms are to be avoided, you should certainly show an understanding of the role by carefully selecting the words you use on your CV. A Project Manager, for example, would be expected to use words such as risk management, budget, planning and so on.

Add dynamic verbs

It’s important when writing a CV that you show the value you bring to a business. That means choosing verbs that show how you’ve contributed. When you’re pulling together your responsibilities and achievements , don’t make the common mistake of repeating the same tired phrases. Starting every bullet point with “managed” or “responsible for” or “helped” doesn’t make your CV interesting or engaging to read. Instead, show what you’ve achieved by using more dynamic verbs such as:

Increased
Reduced
Saved
Delivered
Won
Transformed
Resolved
Streamlined

Incorporating CV keywords naturally

Now you know which words you need, but what’s the best way to add them?

Adding dynamic verbs to your CV

The high-impact verbs are easy to add to your CV. Within your Achievements section for each role, list your accomplishments in bullet points. Every bullet point should start with a verb, which will immediately show your contribution. If you can quantify that contribution, even better! For example:

Reduced raw material costs by £10,000 per month by negotiating with suppliers
Won “Team Leader of the Month” twice in one year
Streamlined end-of-month accounting processes to save 2 working days per month

Adding CV keywords from adverts

CV keywords from adverts can be a bit trickier to include, but the good news is that there’s a lot of flexibility in where to put them. Let’s look at some options:

In the Profile section

The profile is the best place to include the most in-demand keywords for a specific role. Using the advert above, the profile could start:

A Secondary English Teacher with a SENCO qualification and a strong background in supporting students with special educational needs.

This opener states exactly what the person does, includes two vital keywords and aligns their experience and knowledge perfectly with the requirements of the role.

In the Skills section

When compiling your Skills section , the focus should be on hard skills, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t include a few soft skills too. Be guided by the content of the adverts and terminology that you know is expected for the role and industry. Using the same advert, the Skills section could look like this:

In the Professional Experience section

The Professional Experience section is where you have the opportunity to give detail on your career, so you’ll certainly be able to incorporate plenty of CV keywords here. For example:

Improved safeguarding across the school as a member of a multidisciplinary team
Built positive relationships with colleagues, parents and students
Implemented SEN best practice to ensure that every individual felt safe and supported and made progress in line with their abilities

In the Qualifications and Professional Development sections

The keywords that you can include in this section are limited by the qualifications you have and the courses you’ve completed. While you won’t want to go into much depth here (unless you’re a recent graduate), you can expand on topics covered in your courses if they’d add keywords that you can’t fit in elsewhere on your CV. For example, if you’ve identified Advocacy as a keyword but only have theoretical knowledge of the subject, you can present it as follows:

BA (Hons) degree in Communications and Public Relations (modules included Advocacy, Crisis Management and Speech Writing)

What NOT to do

We’ve discussed how to add CV keywords naturally, but what should you NOT do? There are plenty of dodgy CV hacks out there on the internet, but it’s wise to steer clear of them. In particular:

Don’t hide CV keywords in white text

While some less-than-ethical commentators advise hiding CV keywords in white text, this is definitely not recommended. Firstly, if you’re wise to the trick then recruiters, who spend their life reviewing CVs, are most certainly wise to it. You’re not fooling anyone. Secondly, if your CV is scanned into an HR system, the text will likely be standardised in black anyway, which will result in you looking rather silly. Thirdly, if you can’t incorporate the keywords naturally into your CV, it’s likely that you aren’t the right person for the job. Even if you get called for an interview, your lack of experience and credible examples will easily be spotted and you will have wasted everyone’s time. All things considered, this isn’t a hack worth pursuing.

Don’t be less than truthful

If you genuinely don’t have the experience to include every single keyword in your CV, that’s fine! Very few people tick every single box. Don’t be tempted to be flexible with the truth, or even include an outright lie, for any reason – least of all to cram an extra keyword in. Apart from being unethical, if you’re caught out it’s really not a good look.

Don’t keyword cram

It’s important that your CV reads easily and naturally. Cramming the document from margin to margin with keywords is not recommended. Instead, using keywords in context and presenting a concise and approachable document is the way forward. Your CV will be evaluated by a human, despite extensive online fearmongering about “ the bots ”, so by making your reader’s job easier you’re doing yourself a favour.

CV keywords can elevate your job search!

After all that, you’re in a strong position to create a CV that naturally shows off your suitability for the role and presents your skills, experience and qualifications in a compelling, persuasive way. If you’d like an expert opinion on your CV before you send it out, or even if you’d like to outsource the entire task, Word Dragon is here to help. With services and prices for every budget , why not see how I can help you?

And now your CV is searchable, why not give your LinkedIn profile the same treatment? Recruiters live, breathe and work on LinkedIn, so make sure that your profile is at top of their search results!

Infographic - How to level up your CV

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 15:24:08 GMT

You've written your CV, but you know it could be better. Level up with these quick wins:

Wondering if your CV is up to scratch? Word Dragon can provide a CV evaluation with recommendations on how to improve the layout and content and an honest appraisal of its strengths and weaknesses. Alternatively, opt for the full CV rewrite service! Find out more or place an order .

A month in the life of Word Dragon - 2023

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 12:45:18 GMT

Another year has flown by and it’s time for the fourth annual round-up of what I’ve been up to at Word Dragon. I love to write these reviews – it gives me the chance to take stock of my business and look back at what’s changed since previous round-ups. It also gives potential clients some insight into what I do, to help them decide if they want to work with me!

So, what have I been up to this year?

CV evaluations

I introduced a CV evaluation service to the company offering, which has proved really popular! If clients are reasonably confident with their CV, or don’t want to pay for the full rewrite service, they can request an evaluation in the form of personalised feedback on their document, with recommendations for improvement and an expert opinion on its strengths and weaknesses.

CV critiques

I started a new contract earlier on this year, providing CV critiques for a company based in Switzerland. There’s a real mix in the variety and quality of CVs I receive and, based on the feedback I get, the clients find the critiques really helpful. This has rapidly become my biggest contract, taking a few hours of every day. I also have a similar contract with another company in the UK, where I do far fewer hours but provide a similar CV critique service.

Content editing

I’ve continued to edit and publish articles for a company based in America. I edit 25 posts a month across 3 UK and US blogs, to ensure they meet the requirements of the brief and are written in line with the style guide. The writing team is fab to work with and this is a fun, if busy, contract.

Blog writing

I’ve also started writing posts for a couple of US blogs. I find the writing process really enjoyable (most of the time!). You’ll also see some of my posts on the British Association of CV Writers’ website and, of course, on the Word Dragon blog .

CVs for private customers

As always, I’ve carried on writing CVs for my private customers. I've had a real mix this year, from recent graduates to senior executives and everything in between. I've also updated a few CVs for a previous customers, adding their latest jobs as its time for them to move on again.

Staff profiles

I still write staff profiles for new staff at a construction company, for use in their bidding packs. This contract doesn’t have a huge volume, but it’s great to be able to write for a different audience – the readers of these profiles are potential business clients, rather than recruiters and employers.

Attending lunch & learn sessions

As a certified member of the British Association of CV Writers, I regularly attend their Lunch & Learn sessions to stay up to date with developments in CV writing and to get business advice from the various speakers. I even had the opportunity to meet several of them in real life in November, when the first in-person gathering was held at the British Library!

Studying

Somehow, around the busiest year in Word Dragon history, I’ve managed to complete the first year of my master’s degree in English. Studying remotely has provided the flexibility I need to fit assignments around work and I’m having fun exploring new topics I’d never considered before.

January is always my busiest time of the year, so if you have any projects that you’d like me to work on, please do get in touch sooner rather than later. New year, new career? I can make you sound amazing – let’s do it!

Ditch the STAR method when you’re job hunting – here’s why!

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 15:12:07 GMT

The STAR method is a time-honoured technique for job hunters. Whether you’re filling out an application form or trying to shine in an interview, the STAR method has long been promoted as the best method to convey your suitability for the role. But wait! There’s a new kid on the block and his name is CARL.

CARL is the job search technique taking over from STAR – and for a good reason. This article takes a look at both methods and examines why CARL might be a better friend to drive your job hunt forward.

What is the STAR method?

STAR is commonly seen as the ideal way to promote your candidature. It stands for SITUATION, TASK, ACTION, RESULT. If you can tick off those points in order, it’s pretty certain that you’ve given a strong and comprehensive reply to whatever question has been thrown at you. Let’s take a look at a STAR method example answer using the question “Tell me about a time you’ve solved a problem”. Your response could look something like this:

(SITUATION) We had had an increase in products returned to the factory with defects, which was having a cost impact and also caused customers to have a negative perception of our brand. (TASK) I was asked to investigate the sudden increase in defects and put a solution in place. (ACTION) I analysed the defects to see if there was one underlying cause and found that there was a common problem with the circuit boards. I then visited the factory, where I carried out observations on the circuit board fabrication and fitting processes. I identified that damage was being caused after fabrication, which led me to implement additional training for the new staff working on the production line and additional quality checks before the product left the factory. (RESULT) Within a month, defects had reduced by 87% and customer perception had returned to its previous level.

As you can see, most of the response is dedicated to explaining the actions taken, which helps the hiring manager to understand the applicant’s approach to problem solving. It also finishes with a positive result, showing that the applicant is able to positively impact a business.

That all sounds well and good then – what’s wrong with that approach? Well, nothing, and it’s served jobseekers well for many years. But what if you could go one better? Enter… CARL.

What is the CARL method?

Much like the STAR method, CARL is a technique that helps you to set out your response in a clearly structured way. It has a lot of overlap with the STAR method, with the addition of a secret weapon. CARL stands for CHALLENGE, ACTION, RESULT, LEARNING. As you can see, it retains the key Action and Result parts of the STAR method, but condenses the Situation and Task into one snappy sentence about the challenge. The killer move is in the L – the Learning.

Let’s have a look at the CARL method in action, using the question “Tell me about a time you managed change”.

(CHALLENGE) I noticed that the team was wasting a lot of time by duplicating documentation, which also led to avoidable errors. (ACTION) I raised my concerns at a team meeting and asked for suggestions on how we could reduce duplication. My colleagues were happy with the existing way of working, so I made it my personal mission to streamline the process. I created a standard form using Excel, which had common fields pre-filled and drop-down menus for other details. Only project-specific information had to be manually input. (RESULT) I found that human errors were reduced to almost zero and the documentation process was significantly sped up. There was less duplication, freeing team members to concentrate on more important tasks, but colleagues were still hesitant about changing the process. I realised that this was because they had been working the same way for years and were resistant to change. (LEARNING) I learnt that, in order to effect positive change across the whole team, I needed to take more time to explain the benefits of the changes and provide formal training on how to use the new system. When I had done this, my colleagues started to use the new form regularly and our team now works much more efficiently and accurately. This is certainly something that I will bear in mind during future changes.

The Learning part of the answer elevates the response and turns it into a forward-looking reply that shows self-awareness, a willingness to learn and a commitment to improvement. What more could an employer want?

Take CARL into your next interview and land that new job!

As you can see, both methods are great for showcasing the value you can add to a business . While the STAR method is certainly still more than acceptable, using CARL for some of your answers will take your response to the next level. It allows you to present yourself as an open-minded professional who is continually improving yourself and the business.

Not getting the interviews you want in the first place? Maybe your CV is the problem. Send it to Word Dragon for a CV evaluation or a rewrite and you’ll soon be putting the CARL method into practice as you bag your next role!

What CV headings do I need?

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 15:08:13 GMT

Faced with a blank screen and an illustrious career, it can be hard to know where to start when you need a CV . Luckily, Word Dragon has a handy tip for you. As with any overwhelming task, it’s easier if you break it down into smaller chunks. Let’s get rid of the blank screen by starting with some CV headings!

By putting some headings in position, you’ll be able to make a strong start and get a structure in place, that you simply need to fill out later with the facts. In this article, you’ll find out what CV headings you need and learn some handy hints for formatting them. There’s even a CV heading example template!

What are the main CV headings?

Without further ado, let’s think about the key headings you need to include on your CV. Every good CV will have:

Main heading
Profile, Summary or Personal Statement
Key Skills, Core Competencies or Areas of Expertise
Career History
Qualifications or Education

As you can see, some of these headings have more than one option. It doesn’t matter, for example, whether you call your skills section “Key Skills”, “Core Competencies” or “Areas of Expertise” – it’s just a signpost to the reader to make your CV easier to navigate. As long as the section is there and clearly headed, you have nothing to worry about.

What should I include under each heading?

Getting the CV headings in place is one thing – knowing what to add to each section is another. Here’s a quick rundown:

Main heading. Add your name in large text, plus a professional title and your contact information in a standard-size font underneath.
Profile, Summary or Personal Statement. Use 4-5 lines to say what you do , what you specialise in and why a company will benefit from employing you.
Key Skills, Core Competencies or Areas of Expertise. List 6-12 key skills based on the requirements of the job advert and your career strengths, with a focus on hard skills.
Career history. Add each role you’ve held in reverse chronological order, giving job titles, employer names, dates, overall remit and achievements for each.
Qualifications or Education. Include your highest-level qualification , including level, subject and year, plus university name for degrees.

What other CV headings can I use?

Depending on your situation, you could boost your candidacy with some additional sections. Have you considered:

Early Career
Volunteering
Publications
Professional Development
Awards
Professional Memberships
IT Skills
Languages

If any of these sections would enhance your appeal to a recruiter, go ahead and add them!

What should my CV headings look like?

Your CV headings need to stand out, to make your CV easy to navigate. Choose a standard, sans serif font (serifs are the flicky bits on the tops and bottoms of letters – they can make a document look dated and are harder to read on a screen). Arial and Calibri are always popular choices.

The headers should naturally be larger than the rest of the text on your CV (think 12-18 point) so that they stand out. As for alignment, it doesn’t really matter – left, centre or even right aligned can all work.

A splash of colour is fine, but don’t be tempted by text boxes or graphics – they won’t help your cause at all. Keep it simple, clean and, above all, professional.

What headings should I not use?

Now you know exactly what to do – but what about what NOT to do? Don’t be tempted to add these headers to your CV:

Curriculum vitae. It’s obvious what the document is, just dive straight in with your name.
Objective. This is outdated – the CV should focus on what you can offer, not what you want.
References. They simply aren’t required at this stage – use the space for something more compelling.

CV heading example

Don’t say I don’t spoil you – here’s how your blank screen should look now you’ve added your CV headers.

CV cheat code: Download this free CV template from Word Dragon - the headings are already in place for you!

Now you’re no longer faced with a blank screen and you’ve got a structure in place for your CV, with an idea of what to write in each section. Hopefully the CV writing process seems a lot less overwhelming now!

If not, Word Dragon is here to take the pain out of job applications. You can even get your CV written for you ! With options at various price points, you’re sure to find the help you need to make your next career move. With a professional CV tailored to your ideal next step, you’ll find that a Word Dragon CV increases your confidence and opens doors!

Help! I need a new job!

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 13:47:02 GMT

We’ve all had days where we’re fed up with our job. Days where we can’t listen to Sandra’s moaning any more, we can’t take the constant interruptions from a micro-managing boss and can’t look at the same data for another 8 hours. It’s normal to feel that way sometimes – but if you’re constantly stressed, fed up, burnt out or bored, if you’re coming home every night screaming “I need a new job!” – then it’s time to take action.

Luckily, Word Dragon is here to help you out of your funk, with some actionable advice to get you into a job you’ll love.

Identify the problem

Before you start firing off applications left, right and centre, take a step back. There’s no point in landing another job if it will come with the same problems you already have. If you don’t enjoy the work, maybe a career change is in order. If you like the work but not the people, the same role at a different company could fix things. And if you need a better pay and benefits package, maybe an internal move will be possible. Clarity and direction at the beginning of the process will save you time and ensure you don’t end up in another unsuitable position.

Prepare

Now you know where you’re heading, but before you set off on any journey you need to prepare. There are some simple steps to take so that you’re ready to act as soon as you spot that ideal opportunity. Firstly, get your CV up to date. Use this free template as a starting point, if you need to! It will need to be tailored towards the type of role you’re aiming for and show off your achievements and unique selling points to make you truly irresistible to a recruiter or hiring manager. You’ll also need to update your LinkedIn profile – make sure it tells the same story as your CV and contains plenty of keywords so that you pop up in recruiter searches.

Start looking around

Never underestimate the power of your network! Build your LinkedIn network and start reaching out to your real-life contacts to let them know you’re open to new roles. Don’t forget to remind them what you do and what makes you great at it! You can also start looking at online job boards – there are plenty of generalist boards, but you may have more luck with specialist boards or LinkedIn, depending on what you do.

I need a new job immediately!

Is your job search more urgent? If you need a new job ASAP – whether you’ve been made redundant, fired or need extra income – stay calm. Firing off multiple applications in a blind panic isn’t the way forward - you’ll just waste time applying for jobs that ultimately you either have no hope of getting or are unsuited to. None of these actions need to take a long time – and you can even outsource some of it so that you can focus on your priorities and land a great role sooner.

Keep the momentum going

The job market is difficult and it’s easy to get disheartened quickly, especially now that recruiters and businesses seem to think that ghosting is acceptable (it isn’t). Keep motivated by brushing up on your interview skills, having conversations within your network and reaching out to recruiters and hiring managers. If an internal move is a possibility, schedule a conversation with your manager to discuss options.

If you don’t post on LinkedIn, why not start? You don’t have to post content advertising your job search if you don’t want to – you can post anything work-related, to ensure you remain at the top of people’s minds when opportunities arise.

Land that job!

Hopefully, with preparation and a strategic approach, that new job won’t be far off and the days of you sobbing “I need a new job!” into your cornflakes every morning will be a distant memory. Good luck with your search!

Further help

If your job search preparation needs a kick-start, Word Dragon is here to help. Whether you need an introduction to a career or interview coach, an evaluation of your CV , advice on your LinkedIn profile or a brand-new CV from scratch , Word Dragon has a service for you. I’m looking forward to helping you put job misery behind you.

10 things I’ve learned about running a business from home

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 19:58:34 GMT

In 2014 I set up Word Dragon (it was called CV Shed in those days). It was never part of my plan – in fact, my only plan was not to have a plan but to go where the wind blew me. And it blew me here. Certainly, no-one is more surprised than me to find that I’ve set up a company that not only pays the bills and supports my chocolate habit, but that I actually enjoy every day. If you’re thinking of running a business from home, here are some of the things I’ve found out along the way that may – or may not – help you along.

It’s OK to make it up as you go along when you’re running a business from home

I learnt how to run a business from home as I went along. By looking at what was working for others, doing a bit of research and adapting everything to what would work for me, things started ticking along nicely. I didn’t start with targets and plans (who needs that stress?), I just let things evolve organically and somehow it’s worked so far. I’m very much in favour of the low-stress approach.

You can outsource the tricky bits

After nearly 10 years of self-employment, I’ve finally got an Accountant. Yay! I realised I'd get more joy from feeding my right arm to a rabid bear than I get from doing my tax returns. Realising that you only have to do the work you actually like is revelatory, and one of the biggest benefits of running a business from home.

Marketing sucks

Constantly promoting a business, raising awareness and dragging customers through the door is not my cup of tea, I’ve got to be honest. I’m more of a head-down-doing-the-work kinda business owner. I’ve found that having a few long-term corporate contracts means that I can have a regular income stream whilst still leaving time for the private clients that only need me occasionally. It’s all about finding the right balance of work and enjoying the rollercoaster!

You gotta be disciplined…

I get up, I crack on. If you’re a procrastinator or need the whip cracking before you knuckle down, you need to find a way of getting over that – if you don’t do the work, you don’t get paid, it’s that simple. It’s a different mindset to being employed, where your paycheque will be the same at the end of the month whether you slack off or not.

…but you get the rewards

As long as the work gets done, it doesn’t really matter when you do it. That means life can fit round work, rather than vice versa. You can go to places at off-peak times, pop out for a coffee and drop everything if someone important needs you. Flexibility to live life on your schedule is the NUMBER ONE benefit of running your own business.

Other people don’t get it

Running a business from home is a completely different ball game to being employed, and I’m not sure you can appreciate it fully until you’ve tried it. People with “proper jobs” often won’t understand your frustrations or successes. I’ve been lucky enough to meet some other people in a similar boat to me and they’ve made me realise that you need to find your work tribe, just as you need your social tribe out of working hours.

Pricing is tricky

You do the calculations and the competitor analysis, you set your prices and know they’re fair, but it still feels a bit icky. It’s very easy to undervalue yourself, especially if you’ve not been self-employed before. But you deserve to be paid fairly for your time and your expertise. And don’t forget all the expenses that you have now that you never had when you were employed. You don’t get paid if you have a day off sick, and that week in the sun costs more than flights and accommodation because you have to factor in the lost income as well. No-one’s paying into a pension for you, your tech is no longer provided by your employer and that Accountant won’t pay himself! When you're employed, these are all costs that your employer picks up - now you're your own employer. It took me a long time to feel comfortable with my prices, and even longer to be able to give a polite NO when customers asked for a discount.

You find skills you never knew you had

The great thing about being employed by someone else is that if you don’t know how to do something, someone else will. Computer playing up? Call the tech guy. Struggling to get a customer to pay? Let the finance team deal with them. Not sure the best way to do something? Ask Sandra at the next desk. When you’re running a business from home, you are the tech guy, the finance team and Sandra. You wear all the hats. Sometimes you wear them all in the space of a few minutes. But you just get on with it, grateful that someone invented Google to help you figure it out.

You can grow at whatever rate suits you

The internet is awash with “coaches” telling you that you can make a seven-figure income every month. Maybe they do (I really doubt it). But I’ll be stepping out of my comfort zone, investing and putting myself out there at my own pace, thank you very much. I do the work, I enjoy the work, I get paid for the work. It’s simple, there’s no stress, I’m in control and the business is still growing. I’m doing it my way and not listening to those dodgy internet hustlers. It ain’t all about the money, all the time – I’m in it for the fun and the quality of life, too.

You might surprise yourself

Chatting to friends over some drinks once, I told them that the previous month had gone really well. The response I got was “and you did that all on your own!”. I’d never stopped to think about how far I’d come since setting up the business and it made me realise that I’d actually achieved something. And that I have excellent and supportive friends. Take some time to look back at where you started once in a while, it might surprise you.

Are you ready to set up a business?

If you’re up for running up a business from home, I wish you luck! Do it your way and enjoy the ride.

If I’ve put you off, sorry! That wasn’t my intention, I wholeheartedly endorse this way of life. But if you’re set on staying in employment, at least take the next step in your career with a knock-out CV . I offer various options at various price points – oh, and I also do content writing and editing, too. Get in touch and see how I can help you to sound amazing!

How to add communication skills to your CV

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:29:22 GMT

It’s one of the most basic skills that we all use, whether at work or at play. Communication is at the heart of being human, so why should you put communication skills on your CV? Everyone can communicate, right? Well, yes – but we all communicate differently and have different strengths which we use in different situations.

In this blog, Word Dragon looks into how we can use a CV to show off the communication skills that employers are looking for.

What communication skills do employers want on a CV?

There are different types of communication skills, so your CV needs to highlight the ones that are most important for the role you seek. For example:

A Translator or Interpreter will need to highlight which languages they speak and their level of fluency
A call centre worker will need excellent speaking skills to chat with customers on the phone
A marketing professional will need great writing skills, to write copy about the products and services they promote
A business leader will need confident public speaking skills, to present ideas or directions to the workforce
A salesperson will need skill in influencing and persuading, to overcome objections to buying

This is just a selection of the different ways in which we communicate in a professional environment. You probably use a combination of these every day and more – the key is to identify which ones are most useful in your target role and to focus on those in your CV. A great way to do this is to examine a selection of adverts for roles you’re interested in, to see which communication skills keep popping up.

How can I show communication skills on my CV?

Now that you know which communication skills are in demand, you need to add them to your CV in the right way. Plonking “good communication skills” in your profile simply won’t cut it. Apart from being much too vague, it’s also something that the recruiter will see on every entry-level CV – and yours needs to stand out.

The best way to show off communication skills on your CV is to provide specific examples. Think of a time you used your communication skills successfully, then add that success to the relevant job on your CV. If you can quantify your achievement , that’s even better!

If there are very specific communication skills that the job requires, you can highlight them in your Key Skills section, too. In that case, make sure they’re framed as keyword-searchable bullets – for example, “Copywriting” or “Public speaking” rather than “I can write informative copy” or “I’m confident in front of an audience”.

Examples of communication skills on a CV

Looking for some inspiration on how to word your communication skills? Look no further! Try some of these out for size, then model your skills around them in your own words:

Achieved a 30% cost reduction on raw materials by negotiating with suppliers in fluent German
Reduced customer attrition by 20% by handling phone complaints calmly, professionally and articulately
Grew traffic to the company website by 5,000 visitors per month by writing engaging social media posts
Leveraged confident public speaking skills to deliver sales training to 200 people in just 1 month
Increased stationery sales by 200% by interacting with potential customers to rapidly build a rapport

Get a professional on board

Now you know how to include those all-important communication skills on your CV, it’s time to start writing!

But if you’re still doubting your ability to craft a persuasive CV or you simply don’t have time to write one, Word Dragon is on hand to help. From a full CV rewrite or some expert eyes on your draft , there’s a service to meet your needs – just give me a shout.

How to write a job application email

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 14:53:13 GMT

You’ve found the perfect job and you’re ready to apply – exciting times (hopefully) lie ahead! Make the right first impression with a persuasive job application email that presents you as a professional, polished and interview-worthy candidate. In this article, you’ll find out how to do just that!

Why might you need to send a job application email?

There are various reasons why you might find yourself applying for a job by email:

You’re applying to a small company. Small companies are less likely to use online application portals and will instead ask potential candidates to email their applications.

You want to support an application submitted online. If you’ve already submitted an online application and can find the hiring manager’s email address, you may wish to introduce yourself via email and notify them of your application.

You’re applying speculatively. If no job has been advertised but you’re keen to work for the company, a well-timed job application email could lead to employment if there are vacancies in the pipeline. If not, the company may keep your details on file for a while in case any suitable roles arise.

Getting started

Assuming you’ve found the correct email address for the hiring manager and have prepared your CV , you’re ready to get started. But how should you address the email? “Hi” could be construed as too informal, “Dear Sir / Madam” too old-fashioned, “Dear hiring manager” too faceless… it’s a minefield out there! Take your cue from the organisation itself. For a start-up, you’ll probably get away with “Hi”, if you’re contacting a senior executive at a multinational corporation you might want to err on the side of caution with “Dear Mr…”. Remember, though, that email is generally considered a less formal option than a letter so you can’t go far wrong by simply using the recipient’s first name.

The main body of the email

No-one has time to read a lengthy epistle, so keep your email to the point. State why you’re emailing and summarise your key credentials for the role. If you’re attaching a CV or cover letter , it’s a good idea to point your reader towards them.

Attach a cover letter or paste it into the email?

There’s no right or wrong on this question. If you attach the cover letter as an email, it has the benefit of retaining the format of a formal letter. You can also go into a bit more detail (remember, the email should be kept short and to-the-point). However, pasting the cover letter into the body of the email also has benefits, as the reader is presented with the information immediately rather than having to click on an attachment – which they may delay until they have more time. Ultimately, you should do whatever you think will present your personal application for each specific role in the best light. #

Signing off the email

There’s no need for a job application email to include “Yours faithfully” or “Yours sincerely” – it’s too formal for the medium. You may like to consider including one or more of the following in your sign-off:

A call to action. What should the reader do next if they’re interested in your application? Encourage them to call or email you, or suggest they review your attached CV.

Appreciation. You could thank the reader for their time or consideration. Manners cost nothing and make the right impression.

Enthusiasm. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role or company.

Simple job application email samples

Below, you’ll find some job application email examples for different scenarios. Don’t be tempted to copy them word-for-word – personalised emails are by far the best option. But do take them as inspiration to help you craft your own email.

Job application email for a small company

Dear Luiz,

Please find attached my CV and cover letter for the vacancy of Nursery Assistant, which I saw advertised on Indeed. As you can see, I have a Level 3 childcare qualification backed up with 4 years’ relevant experience as a Childminder.

Please don’t hesitate to call me on 07890 123456 if you have any questions about my application. I look forward to meeting you to discuss my suitability further at interview stage.

Thank you for your consideration,

Christina

Email to support an online job application

Hi David,

Having recently submitted an online application for the post of Administration Assistant at ABC Ltd, I wanted to introduce myself and reiterate my credentials and interest in the role. I have over 10 years’ experience in administration. During this time, I’ve introduced new processes to increase efficiency and received an award for my contribution to the company.

The role at ABC Ltd is particularly appealing to me, as it is a top-rated employer with an outstanding reputation in the industry. I look forward to progressing my career with you and have attached my CV for your convenience.

Cassie

Speculative job application email

Elza,

I am writing to enquire whether you may have any forthcoming vacancies in your sales department. I combine an 8-year career in office supply sales with a reputation for consistently exceeding my sales targets. In the last quarter, I onboarded 3 new corporate clients and grew revenue by £25,000 by upselling to existing clients.

I’ve attached my CV and cover letter and am available any time on 07890 123456 to answer any questions you may have about my application. If there are no suitable vacancies available in the near future, please do feel free to keep my details on file should anything arise in the future.

With thanks,

Sarah

Fingers crossed!

Now you’ve written a professional and persuasive email to accompany your job application, sit back with a cup of tea and cross your fingers for a positive outcome soon! While you wait, keep applying for other jobs and polishing your CV and LinkedIn profile.

Need some help with your application? Word Dragon offers job-search services whatever your budget! Check out my services and prices here and together we’ll take your job search to new heights.

What is the best CV font?

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 11:29:26 GMT

We all know that presentation is key to a great CV. The first impression comes from the overall look of the document, before the reader even starts reading, so choosing the best CV font is an important decision. Luckily, Word Dragon has some advice to help you make a great choice.

Choose a Sans Serif font

Serifs are the little flourishes on the top and bottom of letters.

This is a Serif font

This is a Sans Serif font

Serif fonts can look great when printed out, but most CVs these days are read on a screen initially. Therefore, choosing a Sans Serif font is a wise decision, as they tend to be easier to read on a screen.

Choose a widely available font

The best CV fonts are the most common ones. Don’t choose a special font that you’ve downloaded or one that isn’t widely available on popular software such as Microsoft Word. You may think it looks great on your screen, but who can tell what it looks like when a hiring manager opens your CV? If you choose a font that’s widely available, you can be sure that what the hiring manager sees is presented in the way you intended.

Keep it professional

Remember that your CV is a professional document, so your choice of font should reflect that. Fonts such as Comic Sans have a (possibly unjustified) bad reputation, so unless you’re a teacher steer clear. Similarly with any fonts that have “character” – try to avoid them. The focus should be on the words themselves, not the style they’re written in. Plain and simple is the way forward.

Popular font choices for CVs

Times New Roman used to be considered the best CV font, but it looks rather dated these days. It also has serifs, which we’ve already decided is a poor choice.

Common Sans Serif fonts that are popular for CVs include Arial, Calibri, Verdana, Tahoma and Open Sans. They’re clean, crisp and easy to read, without distracting from the words themselves.

Choose a sensible CV font size

Now you have a good idea of the best CV font, it’s time to think about the CV font size. While there are no hard and fast rules, there are a few guidelines to bear in mind.

Firstly, the headings should be in a larger font size to help them pop off the page and aid navigation around your CV.

Secondly, the main CV font size shouldn’t be so tiny that it’s difficult to read, or so huge that it looks like a child’s textbook. Do you remember when you had to write an essay at school and thought you were being smart by writing REALLY BIG so that the page got filled up sooner? Yeah, avoid that look.

Not every font is equally legible at the same size, but as a rule 10-14 point is good for the main body and 14-18 point is good for headings. Have a play around to see what looks great in the font you’ve chosen.

Choosing a font colour for your CV

You can’t go wrong with a black font. Bear in mind that the overall look you’re aiming for is professional and credible. That said, if you want to bring in a bit of colour , there’s no reason not to. Consider a different colour for the headings or use colour to highlight particular skills if you can do it neatly and consistently – but only take this route if you’re confident that the overall look will give your CV the gravitas it needs. There’s no obligation to include colour and a plain black and white CV is always a sensible choice.

Mixing and matching CV fonts

I’d advise keeping to one font throughout the CV – two at a maximum if you want something different for the headers. Navigating a mix of fonts gives a more chaotic impression and isn’t particularly easy on the eye. Unless you’re aiming for a creative role, the hiring manager will be evaluating the content of your CV over the design. By choosing inobtrusive fonts, you’re letting them focus on the wording – and that’s what will sell you into the role.

The best CV font - according to Word Dragon

Personally, I like to write CVs in 11-point Calibri with 16-point headers, in a very dark grey. It looks smart and professional and – critically – is easy to read. And the easier you can make the reader’s job, the more attention they’ll pay to your CV.

But remember, like every other aspect of design, what one person loves another will hate. The best CV font is as personal choice, so it’s really up to you which one you choose.

Guidelines for choosing the best CV font

Choose the best CV font by selecting…

A Sans Serif font
A widely available font
A font that’s easy to read
A 10-14-point font, with larger headings
A maximum of 2 colours
A maximum of 2 different fonts

And above all, focus on readability over creativity.

Need more CV advice?

If you’ve got any more CV questions, Word Dragon can provide help whatever your budget. From free advice in the blog to a personal evaluation of your CV to a full CV writing service, why not find out how I can help you ?

Infographic - Adding skills to your CV

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 12:58:35 GMT

You know that your Cv needs to include skills - but what skills should you include and how should you include them? This handy infographic explains the difference between soft and hard skills and how to include each type on your CV.

If you need more help with your CV, Word Dragon is here to help. Check out the different services on offer and choose whichever one suits your needs and your budget. I'm looking forward to supporting your job hunt!

6 easy steps to write a CV

Wed, 03 May 2023 14:31:48 GMT

Faced with a blank document in front of you and a lifetime of work behind you, writing a CV can seem like a daunting – maybe even impossible – task. Fear not though – your knight in shining armour is here! In this article, Word Dragon shares everything you need to know about writing a CV.

Top tip: Creating master CV enables you to keep all the relevant information in one place, add to it as your career progresses and tailor it to every role you apply for with minimal bother.

1. Know your audience

The number one rule, when you put pen to paper – or finger to keyboard – is to write for your audience. If you're writing a CV, your audience is likely to be a UK recruiter or employer.

Tell them what they need to know, without bogging them down in irrelevant detail
Explain to them how you can meet their needs, not how they can meet yours
Show why you’re the right person for the job, above any other candidate

And while content may be king, layout is queen. That means:

Make it easy for the reader to pick out key information at a glance
Choose a smart, professional and easy-to-read layout
Keep it concise and to-the-point

2. Put your CV structure in place

So now you know where you’re going, it’s time to think about how to get there. Staring at a blank piece of paper, or a blank screen, is stressful – so it’s time to get some words on the page. Putting your headers in place is an easy way to start writing a CV. You can change the spacing later, but the main headers you’ll need when writing your CV are:

Professional Profile
Key Skills
Professional Experience
Qualifications

Depending on your personal circumstances, you may also want to add:

Professional Development
Volunteering
IT skills
Languages

And don’t forget the most important header of all – your name and contact details at the very top.

With these words on the page, the rest of the CV should feel less daunting. You just have to add some details into each section!

3. Start writing your CV

Best practice for CVs says that they should be written without pronouns. It’s a slightly weird way of writing about yourself, and it takes a bit of getting used to, but it does make the CV sound more professional and also helpfully cuts down on the word count to make it a bit snappier.

Another way to rein in the waffle is to write in bullet points, keeping each point to 2 lines or fewer. This is particularly effective in the Professional Experience section, but can be adopted pretty much anywhere on the CV. Bullet points are also an effective way of keeping your reader’s attention, because the alternative of long paragraphs makes walls of text that can be hard – and rather off-putting – to read on a screen.

But what should you write? Think of your CV as your own personal sales document. If there’s something from your career, past or present, that would sell you into a role, it should go on the CV. Anything else can be left off. So your Saturday job in a shoe shop can safely be eliminated in favour of your recent career as a senior executive at a bank – unless you’re aiming for a career change and want to start selling shoes again!

Tell them what they need to know
Don’t tell them what they don’t need to know

Things your reader doesn’t need to know include your family situation, what you were doing 30 years ago, your National Insurance number and your dog’s name (I have seen all of these and more in my years as a professional CV writer!). As a general rule, if it doesn’t affect your ability to do a job, you don’t even need to think about it when writing a CV - let alone include it.

4. Add some detail

It's time for the deep dive. There’s plenty of information elsewhere on my blog to direct you on the content when you’re writing a CV. After all, it’s important to know what to include and how to frame it on what is, essentially, an advert for yourself.

For advice on writing the Professional Profile section, click here .

For advice on writing the Key Skills section, click here .

For advice on writing the Professional Experience section, click here .

For advice on writing the Qualifications section, click here .

Type keywords into the search bar at the top of the blog to answer any other questions you may have... and if I haven't covered a topic, let me know !

5. Tidy and polish

When you’ve nailed the content, don't forget to make sure it’s beautifully presented and error-free. In terms of presentation, the key rules are:

Don’t use templates you’ve found on Word, Canva or your mate’s laptop – however fancy they seem – as they’re unlikely to be ATS-compatible
Keep it smart and professional – no images, graphics or over-the-top colours
Use a common, easy-to-read font in an easy-to-read size

There are some simple ways to make sure your CV is error free, too:

Sleep on it, then come back for a final read-through with fresh eyes
Use the Read Aloud function on Word, to hear what you’ve actually written – not what you think you’ve written
Get a friend or family member to proofread it for you
Ask ChatGPT for feedback on your spelling and grammar

6. Tailor the CV

Now that you have your perfect master document, the final step is writing a CV aimed at whichever particular role you fancy applying to.

Take your master CV and save it with a different file name, so that all your hard work so far isn’t lost. Then, armed with the job advert , start tailoring and tweaking. If you did a good job on your master CV , it should almost be as easy as deleting the irrelevant information in order to leave only those parts that perfectly align with the role you’re after. In reality, you’ll probably also need to make a few changes to the Professional Profile and ensure that you’ve included the main keywords from the advert.

Ta-daaaaaaah! You’re ready to apply and blow them away!

Or, get help writing a CV for your dream job

If all this sounds like too much bother, never fear. I actually enjoy this kind of stuff! Send me what you’ve got so far , we’ll have a chat on the phone and in no time at all you’ll be the proud owner of a knock-out CV. My CVs have been acknowledged for inspiring job hunters with confidence in their abilities, as well as for landing interviews. Why not see what I can do for you ?

Everything you need to know about writing a creative CV

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 09:24:53 GMT

The creative industry spans a wide range of roles, from designing clothes to developing film special effects to creating brand logos and a thousand other jobs. When it comes to applying for a new role, you need a creative CV that reflects your talent and stands out from the crowd. But what’s the best way to do that?

Join Word Dragon for a run-down of the best – and worst – ways to prepare a creative CV.

Add links to your creative CV

If you have an online portfolio of your work, don’t forget to include a link in your contact details. That could be a link to your own website, IMDB, your blog, LinkedIn or anywhere else that your creative work is visible online. It’s a great way to promote your skill to potential employers, as it barely takes up any space on your CV and provides real-life examples of your capabilities.

Don’t use internet CV templates

It’s really tempting to log on to Canva or Word to grab one of their ready-made CV templates. The problems with this are twofold. Firstly, as a creative professional, your CV needs to showcase your design skills and your originality. Recruiters have seen these templates a thousand times and they’re unlikely to reflect you – or the style of your work – accurately. The second problem is that they are very rarely ATS-compatible . Designed with visuals in mind rather than content, they are likely to introduce all sorts of errors when they’re scanned. Not the first impression you want to be making!

Content is king

While it can be tempting to focus on the layout and visual appeal of the CV, the content should be your priority. This is what will convince a hiring manager to progress your application, as it will highlight your experience, skills , qualifications and successes . There’s no point presenting a stunningly creative CV that’s immediately binned as the reader can’t see how you meet their needs. Add a generous helping of keywords and align the language with that used in the job advert . At every point in the CV creation process, you should be looking at the document from the perspective of the recruiter and asking “how does this convince them to progress my application?”.

Inject some personality

When you’re confident that you’ve got the content right, you’re in a position to get creative. The two main rules to remember, to keep your CV ATS-friendly, are that colour is fine, but graphics and images aren’t. You can play with the fonts, the spacing and the headers as much as you like, but ensure that the CV stays professional and is an easy read. A conventional layout will make the recruiters’ job simpler. This is your chance to get creative and make your mark – within limits .

Prepare two versions of your CV

OK so having to prepare two versions of your CV probably doesn’t have you doing a little happy dance, but it serves a purpose. The first version is the one that you’ll upload online or email to the HR department. This CV needs to be ATS compatible, just in case it’s scanned and searched, so the options for creativity here are limited. The second version, however, you can go to town on. This version really shows off your imagination and originality. The creative CV can be used when stepping into an interview or networking – basically whenever you can put your CV directly into the hands of a human.

Save as a suitable file type

As a creative, you probably use all kinds of design software, whether that be Adobe Creative Cloud, a bespoke in-house system or something else. Recruiters and HR departments don’t generally use that software. Ideally, your CV should be saved as a Word document – or a PDF at a push. A CV created using InDesign or any other industry-specific software is unlikely to get a first glance, let alone a second.

Get help with your creative CV

Don’t despair if developing the content for your creative CV is about as appealing as feeding your right arm to a rabid dog. Help is at hand! Simply choose your service and contact Word Dragon - you’ll soon be the proud owner of a best-practice CV. You’ll not only save time and stress, you’ll also gain confidence in your job search and land your new job faster.

Six tips to upgrade your CV to beat the cost-of-living crisis

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 16:07:09 GMT

As the cost-of-living crisis continues unabated, a better paying job is high on the agenda for many people. Unfortunately, no-one’s going to hire you just because you need a job – they’re going to hire you because they think that you’re the right person to fill their vacancy.

This is where your CV comes in! With your experience, skills and qualifications, along with some impressive wording, your CV is there to convince them that you’re worth inviting for an interview. Word Dragon has six top tips to help your CV to stand out from the crowd, so that you can secure a new job faster.

1. Get the basics right

Of course, none of the following CV upgrades are worth anything if you don’t get the basics right, so let’s begin at the very beginning. You’ll need the following sections:

Contact details
Professional profile
Key skills
Career history – focused on achievements
Qualifications – industry, as well as academic

Keep it professional by writing without pronouns, using a wide variety of vocabulary and avoiding images and graphics – including photos.

2. Show off your achievements

Show that you’re going to add value to the company by focusing on your past achievements. It’s no good saying “it wasn’t that kind of job” – everyone has achieved something professionally, whatever their role and whatever stage they’re at in their career. If you weren’t adding value in some way, you wouldn’t have been employed in that role. Think about how the company would have been negatively impacted without you and ask yourself how you’ve contributed to increasing profits, reducing costs, improving efficiency or supporting customers. This is just a small example of what you might have achieved – there will be plenty more examples if you put your thinking cap on. Don’t forget to shout about any awards or positive feedback too! Quantifying your achievements will make the CV even stronger.

3. Keep it recent

Honestly, no-one really cares what you were doing back in the eighties! Don’t make yourself look out of date or open yourself to potential age discrimination by dwelling on the past. Your CV should focus very firmly on your recent career and qualifications. As you go further back in your career, reduce the amount of detail you include – or even eliminate earlier roles altogether. Think of your CV as your sales brochure, not your life story.

4. Make it relevant

The strongest CVs are tailored to a particular job. If something isn’t relevant to your target role, simply eliminate it. Yes, that means that you’re likely to end up with multiple versions of your CV as you apply for different roles, but the effort will be worth it. Your aim is to present a focused document that shows how you’ll fit seamlessly into the advertised role, not to offer a rambling narrative that presents you as a Jack of all trades and master of none. That’s not to say that you should remove an entire job and leave a gaping hole in your career story - just consider how you could reframe that role to better align with the employer’s needs.

5. Hit above the fold

Research has shown that recruiters only spend a matter of seconds on the first read of a CV, so your first impression needs to make an impact – quickly! All of the critical information should be contained in the top half of the first page of your CV. That means explaining what you do and why you’re good at it before you mention your cats or your favourite football team (don’t do that – didn’t you read point 3?). Consider a snappy headline and a 3-4 sentence profile that immediately sets the scene and positions you as a viable – nay, desirable – candidate, followed by some pertinent keywords in a skills section.

6. Presentation, presentation, presentation

A high-impact CV isn’t just about the wording – the true first impression lies in the presentation . A CV written in a tiny font, crammed from margin to margin with dense paragraphs, is rather off-putting. Not everyone will find the minutiae of your career story as riveting as you do, so keep it concise and accessible. You’ll need bullet points, plenty of white space, a standard font and clear section headings if you want to make the reader’s job easier. Sometimes, less is more.

Save yourself some presentation problems by downloading this free CV template from Word Dragon.

Get it out there!

You’ve found your ideal job and you’ve crafted a knock-out CV – it’s time to hit the send button and release your masterpiece on the world. Now, you need to start brushing up your interview skills ready for the inevitable invitation – good luck!

If you’re still unsure whether your CV hits the mark, why not get the whole document written by a professional ? With over 15 years’ experience in CV writing and accreditation from the British Association of CV Writers, Word Dragon will have your job search documents looking their best in no time.

Infographic - how to put education on your CV

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 09:44:16 GMT

You know that you need to show off your education on your CV - but how? What details should you include? Check out this infographic to find out - you'll need to be armed with your qualifications, years of completion and maybe a bit more detail if you're a recent graduate or school leaver. Putting education on your CV is really very straightforward.

It's pretty simple really! If you need any more help with showing education on your CV, or are having problems with any other aspect of your CV, why not order a new CV from Word Dragon ?

How to choose a LinkedIn profile picture

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 14:56:12 GMT

LinkedIn is an invaluable tool for professionals – particularly when they’re job hunting. Did you know that LinkedIn profiles with pictures can generate up to 21 times more profile views than those without? And more views means more visibility, more chance of catching a recruiter’s attention and more interest in your product, service or talent.

Choosing the right photo is essential – it creates that all-important first impression and is the only thing, apart from your name and headline, that appears in a search. So how do you go about choosing the best LinkedIn profile picture? CV Shed has some top tips.

Don’t be shy!

You’d never include your photo on your CV , for good reason. It can lead to bias and discrimination, as it can give away personal information such as age, skin colour, religious affiliation and so on. However, as we’ve seen, to maximise your visibility on LinkedIn, a photo is non-negotiable. While it could potentially cause the same problems as including a photo on your CV, the difference is that LinkedIn is a social network. People do business with people. They meet and get to know you, and your professional image is a key part of that. So, don’t be shy, choose a decent photo of you – don’t hide behind avatars, logos or graphics!

How to choose your LinkedIn profile picture

Choosing your favourite photo might not mean you’re choosing the best photo for LinkedIn. I’m sure you looked lovely on your wedding day, all dressed up and beaming from ear to ear, but LinkedIn is a professional networking site, not a party. Bear these guidelines in mind when selecting your LinkedIn profile picture:

Use a headshot

LinkedIn profile pictures aren’t huge! A full-length shot, or one with lots of background, means that no-one will be able to see what you really look like - your face will be reduced to a few teeny tiny pixels. Most advice says that your face should take up around 60% of the frame. Remember - people will feel more comfortable interacting with you if your profile seems authenic, and knowing what you look like can help your cause in that respect.

Dress appropriately

Dressing appropriately means dressing for the job you want, whether that be smart office attire, PPE or uniform. If people can picture you in the role, you’re part way to getting it. If there's no set attire for your target role, just dress smartly as you would for an interview. Trackies, shorts, hoodies and crop tops have no place in a LinkedIn profile picture.

Choose your background

Ideally you want a plain background, so that your face stands out nicely and there are no distractions. There seems to be a trend of choosing brightly coloured backgrounds at the moment, but why jump on a bandwagon? It’ll go out of fashion soon, when people realise that everyone’s doing it, and it's far better do your own thing.

Keep it accurate

Your LinkedIn profile picture should be an accurate representation of how you really look. That means it should be reasonably recent, with no filters.

Only you!

Your LinkedIn profile picture should never, ever, feature anyone other than you. No mates, kids, wife or colleagues. No group shots and no pets either. This is your career and it’s about you and no-one else. People want to know who they’re working with.

Pull a face

Meaning, check your expression in the picture. You should come across as friendly, approachable and completely yourself. No duck faces or scowls, please! A smile never goes amiss if you’re looking to attract new business or a new job, but a neutral expression is fine – just avoid the miserable-passport-photo or mug-shot look.

Check the quality

Make sure that the image is high-res enough to look decent on a large screen – zooming in infinitely to crop out other people or background will reduce the quality.

Should you call in the pros?

Many people on LinkedIn pay for a professional photoshoot, providing them with a consistent set of images to use across their LinkedIn profile, website and social media posts. While there are obvious benefits to having a suite of well-lit and carefully posed photos, it’s really not necessary. Smart phones these days have such high-quality cameras that a fun session with a friend or member of your family can generate equally great pictures. Do whatever’s best for your budget, your confidence and your ultimate objectives.

Example LinkedIn profile picture

Here’s an example of an ideal LinkedIn profile picture – it’s mine! We’ll talk about the banner image behind it in another post…

Get help with your LinkedIn profile

As well as helping you to get your CV in order, Word Dragon also writes optimised LinkedIn profiles too! Check out my services and I’ll give you an honest appraisal of your current LinkedIn profile picture as part of the service.

How to write a management CV - with example!

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 09:43:58 GMT

The ultimate goal of a management CV is to persuade the hiring manager to invite you to an interview. With that in mind, it needs show off your management skills and experience, highlight the impact you’ve had on a business and be professionally presented. Easier said than done? Check out these top tips from Word Dragon.

How should I format my management CV?

A management CV needs to look the part. Constantly adding a new jobs to your old CV isn’t going to cut the mustard at this stage. Start from scratch – or at least review the whole of your original CV to make sure that it still aligns with your career objectives and positions you as a credible professional.

You’ll need to start with the following sections – create a new header for each:

Contact details
Professional profile
Key skills or Areas of expertise
Career summary
Qualifications and professional development
Further details – this section is optional!

You’ll also want to choose a sensible font – sans serif fonts are generally easier to read on a screen and look more contemporary. Use your name as the page header, along with a short headline that summarises what you do.

Always opt for bullet points and white space over a cramped wall of text – it’s much easier to read. A two-page CV is generally expected for those currently in, or embarking upon, a management role.

What should I include in the profile?

The profile section , or summary, is a vital part of your management CV. As it’s likely to be the first thing the recruiter reads, it should be concise, high-impact and persuasive. State exactly what you do, in terms of your role and your industry, and why you’re good at it. Think of the profile as your elevator pitch – it’s a small window to make a great first impression.

This paragraph should be tailored to the role you’re applying for – if you know what problems and challenges the company is facing, this is a great opportunity to show how you can contribute to a solution.

What management skills should I include?

It’s time to delete the bland soft skills that you used on your first CV. For example, you could replace “communication” with “negotiation” or “influencing” and replace “teamwork” with “team leadership”. Show that you’re already operating at management level, even if you don’t have the job title yet.

Skills such as resource management, change management and project management are all in-demand skills at this level. The skills that you include should align with the requirements of the role you’re applying for, so analyse the job advert to see exactly what’s needed and reflect that back in the skills section.

How do I show my management experience?

If you already have management experience, this section will be easy to write. Explain the scope of your role, in quantifiable terms.

How many people do you manage?
How many teams?
How many sites?
What’s your budget?

Three or four sentences or bullet points should be more than enough to cover the basics of the role.

Then, you need to show your achievements . Think about how you’ve impacted the business and, again, quantify as much as you can. Your management CV needs to show that you’re able to contribute to a business and make a difference.

If you’re not yet in a management role, demonstrate the skills and experience you have that proves you’re ready to step up. Start with a brief outline of your role and use the achievements section to show how you’ve gone beyond the basic requirements. Maybe you’ve managed a project or event, trained new staff or deputised for your manager? Consider what you’ve done that qualifies you for a management role.

What should the Qualifications section include?

Add your highest-level qualification only – if you have a degree, don’t forget to include the subject and university. You may also be able to add details of any professional development you’ve undertaken – courses, certificates, training, workshops and so on. The only rule is to keep it relevant to the job you’re aiming for. If it adds value to the CV, it’s worth including – otherwise, leave it off.

What else do I need to include?

There’s really no need to include anything else on your management CV, but if you have any relevant skills or experience that don’t fit into any of the above sections then you can differentiate yourself from other candidates by including it in a Further Details section. Consider volunteering, foreign languages, knowledge of an industry IT system and so on.

Management CV example

Here’s an example of a management CV that you can adapt to suit your needs:

Download this free CV template to get started with your own management CV.

I still need help!

Still need an extra hand with your management CV? Word Dragon is accredited by the British Association of CV Writers and has over 15 years’ experience in producing interview-winning CVs. Find out about my CV writing services !

Infographic - How to write a CV after a break

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 09:48:38 GMT

Whatever the reason for your break, there's no need for it to hurt your career prospects. Everybody needs time out sometimes, but whether you were lying on a beach, renovating a house, caring for family or doing any one of a million other things, you're going to need to get back to work at some point. But how can you frame that break on your CV?

Check out this infographic. You'll be back in the office in no time!

You can find more information about career breaks in this post . Alternatively, save yourself the bother and get Word Dragon to create a CV for you ! Why leave it to chance when you can hit the job market with a professionally-written CV that shows off the very best version of you?

Tips for using LinkedIn UK

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 10:06:16 GMT

LinkedIn is the most popular professional network in the world, with – at the time of writing – 875million users globally. As well as helping you to build a professional network, LinkedIn UK is also a great tool for finding jobs, developing your career and enhancing your online presence. It’s the place to be for job seekers!

But how can you use LinkedIn UK to your best advantage? There’s plenty that you can be doing to optimise your online profile – here are some top tips from Word Dragon.

Build your LinkedIn profile

First things first! You’ll need to get your profile up to scratch if you want to make the most of this platform. It’s quite self-explanatory, but here are some important tips that you should bear in mind:

Add a profile photo . They’re not advised on CVs, but LinkedIn itself advises that profiles with photos get 21 times more views and 9 times more connection requests. Make sure that your photo is a headshot, with professional attire and a plain background.

Fill in as much of the profile as possible. That means, at the very least, adding an engaging About section, a complete Experience section (including an overview of your role and associated achievements ), a concise Qualifications section and a comprehensive Skills section.

Change your headline and URL. LinkedIn will automatically set your headline to your current job title and set your URL to a random sequence of numbers. Attract more views by changing them to something more memorable. Examples could include what you do, the industry you work in, how you add value, what drives you, who you help and so on.

Get networking

Next up, you need to start building your network. You can begin with current colleagues, then add former colleagues, managers, suppliers, clients, out-of-work contacts… the list is endless. You can also connect with people you don’t know – etiquette suggests that you add a personal note to your connection request in that case, explaining why you want to connect. This is a great way to extend your network of professionals in your industry. Continue adding to your network throughout your career. Contacts are invaluable when you’re job hunting!

Follow companies and individuals

Most companies have a profile page on LinkedIn. Follow leading businesses in your industry, as well as companies you’d like to work for. That way, you’ll see their posts and be fully informed of news and developments both in your industry and in companies of interest. When interview time comes round, you’ll be ahead of the game. You can also follow individuals, from giants such as Bill Gates and Barack Obama to random people posting on topics you’re interested in. Why not give CV Shed a follow !

Join groups

Whatever you do, LinkedIn has a group for that. They’re great places for meeting like-minded professionals, staying abreast of industry developments and getting – and offering – support.

Engage

LinkedIn UK is a social network, so get engaging! Liking, commenting on and sharing posts will boost your visibility. Even better, write your own posts and engage with the comments. These activities will help you to remain at the forefront of people’s minds, so that when they hear of an opportunity that might suit you, you’ll be the first to know. With well-considered posts and comments, you can also position yourself as an expert in your area.

Look for jobs on LinkedIn UK

LinkedIn is a job board in its own right, so you can use the search functions to find roles that may be of interest. You can even set alerts, so that you’re informed of roles that meet your search criteria as soon as they’re posted. It’s often possible to apply directly through LinkedIn, but if you can find the role advertised on the employer’s website you should apply directly – it gives you the chance to tailor the application to the specific role. If your profile is well optimised (add keywords throughout – especially in the Skills section), you may even find yourself being approached by recruiters without having to lift a finger!

Move your career forward

With up to 85% of jobs being filled through some form of networking, using LinkedIn UK is a smart career move. Best of all, it’s free (unless you want the really fancy option). Are you ready to start using LinkedIn to achieve your career goals? Word Dragon knows how to write an optimised LinkedIn profile that showcases your experience, skills and achievements to get you noticed by recruiters. Get in touch to give your profile the boost it needs !

Help! I hate my job!

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 16:29:42 GMT

It’s normal, after a restful break, to feel slightly apprehensive about returning to work. You’ll probably find that you get back into the swing of things pretty quickly once you’ve braved that first chilly early-morning commute. But if you’re genuinely dreading it and thinking “but I hate my job!”, how can you move on?

Word Dragon is here to help with some proactive steps to make sure that this is the last New Year that you’re feeling this way – great things lie ahead!

New Year’s resolutions

The new year is a time for new beginnings, but most resolutions are destined to fail. Whether that’s due to poor planning, lack of willpower or just falling back into the same old habits – or a mixture of the three! – doesn’t change anything. Rather than setting unattainable resolutions, consider taking baby steps. Lots of small, easy changes over time will eventually achieve the big change you desire. For January, your goal could be as simple as identifying your career goals or filling out just one job application.

Find your direction

Start your journey towards career contentment by deciding exactly what you want. Maybe you’re aspiring to a more local role, a step up, work-from-home opportunities, a bigger pay packet…? Identify the things that you won’t compromise on and those that are nice-to-have. Then you can build an action plan around which roles to prioritise and how to get there. For example, a career change might mean thinking about retraining, whereas if you're aiming for a bigger pay packet then a high-impact CV showing your value might be a better focus.

Can you resolve the problem?

Some work problems can be easily solved with a conversation with your boss. Maybe they can help you to work towards an internal move, a promotion or more flexible hours? If you don't ask, you don't get - so if there's an avenue to explore to help you overcome your job woes, then it's always worth having the conversation. If that doesn't seem like an option, then more drastic action is required and you'll need to consider moving into a new job at a different organisation.

Network like there’s no tomorrow

One of the most common ways of securing a new role is via your network. That’s not limited to your professional network, either. Catch up with your friends, family, people you’ve met doing hobbies , virtual acquaintances, customers and anyone else you can think of. These are the people that are on your side and want to help. That’s not to say you should cling desperately to them sobbing “I hate my job – help me find a new one!”. Just mention that you’re open to new opportunities and make sure that they understand what you’re looking for. Even if they don’t know of any roles available immediately, you’ll be at the top of their mind if they hear of anything.

Don’t forget social networking sites too. Even if you don’t want to broadcast that you’re looking for a new job, there are still plenty of groups that you can join to support your job search. You can also follow companies you’re interested in working for, so that you hear about vacancies as soon as they pop up and have some background on them if they invite you to interview.

And while we’re on the subject of networking, is your LinkedIn profile complete and up to date? It should be! With a sprinkling of keywords and a rounded account of your skills , experience and personality, you could have recruiters approaching you with open vacancies. Staying active, by liking, commenting and posting, will boost your profile and make sure that you’re the first person your contacts think of when jobs arise.

Prepare to apply

It’s no good finding the perfect role and not being in a position to apply for it. As well as updating your LinkedIn profile, you need to update your CV. Luckily, this is one area of the job search that you can outsource.

Word Dragon can write the CV for you from scratch , to make sure that it aligns with current best practice, shows off your skills and experience and positions you as a desirable candidate, giving you the best possible chance of catching a recruiter’s eye. You’ll be perfectly positioned to hit the job market, with the confidence that you’re putting your best foot forward.

Go, go, go!

With a high-impact CV and LinkedIn profile under your belt, you’re good to go. Hopefully your network is keeping their eyes open for you, but it won’t hurt to hit the job boards as well. There are plenty of specialist job boards now, catering to different industries and specialisms, so take time to find the ones that best fit with your target career. You may have more luck there than with the more generalist boards, if you have a particular type of role or industry in mind. Check in regularly with any companies you’re targeting too – they’ll almost certainly have a Careers page on their website.

Prepare to interview

It’s all well and good applying for jobs, but you need to make sure that you’re prepared for the interview, too. There are plenty of practice questions available online, or CV Shed can recommend interview coaches that can help.

Set time aside

Whatever stage of the job search process you’re at, you have more hope of achieving your goals if you set time aside specifically for this purpose. How much time you can afford is up to you – it doesn’t matter if it’s a few minutes a week or a few hours, as long as you use the time to make progress in some way. It could be writing your CV, applying for jobs, networking, preparing for interviews or browsing job boards – whatever it is, you’re more likely to succeed if you have a firm commitment to the task every week (or even every day!)

Make the first step towards finding a new job by downloading this free CV template .

I don't hate my job - I love it!

By taking small, regular, focused steps, you should be well on your way to a new job. Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight, but with patience and proactivity this could be the last New Year that your cries of “I hate my job” drown out Big Ben's bongs.

Happy New Year! I hope the coming months bring the change you hope for. For support with your next steps, check out Word Dragon's CV writing services - I can help with cover letters and LinkedIn profiles too!

Infographic - How to make job applications easier for Future You

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 10:26:28 GMT

At some point in the future, you're going to want a new job. And when that time comes, you need to be prepared to show off the very best version of you.

You don't want to be rushing to cobble a CV together to meet a deadline, relying purely on your memory and a copy of your CV that was last updated in the dark ages.

Here's some information that you can start recording now, so that your CV practically writes itself when the time comes. Future You will be glad you did!

If you need more help with your CV, then Word Dragon is ready and waiting. If you're looking for someone to write it from scratch for you or just need some feedback , there's a service to meet your needs - just get in touch !

A month in the life of Word Dragon - December 2022

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 12:26:28 GMT

How can it be that time of year already? Welcome back behind the scenes of Word Dragon as I conduct the traditional annual review of what I’ve been up to recently. One thing’s for sure – it’s been busy!

CVs for private customers

My CV writing business has been hectic recently and I’ve had more orders from private customers than I can ever remember having before. These orders are the heart of my business – I love not just presenting customers with a CV that will help them to land interviews, but also hearing how confident it makes them feel when they read them.

Just a selection of CVs that I’ve written recently include: a Content Writer, a Sales and Marketing Specialist, a Communications Director, a postgraduate student, an import-export business owner, a Head of Learning and Development, a Technical IT Project Manager and a Team Administrator.

Editing blogs

At the end of last year, I became the Editor of a UK blog focused on CVs and job search topics. Since then, the client has asked me to take over two of their US blogs as well. The three blogs total over 2,000 posts so far and I’m gradually going over the old posts to bring them up to scratch whilst adding 22 new posts each month from my marvellous team of writers on both sides of the Atlantic.

I’ve also been editing blog posts and newsletters for a serviced apartment company (think Airbnb for the executive market), which has been really interesting and a great way to step outside my usual subject matter. It’s reminded me how much I love working on the editing side of my business!

Writing articles

The serviced apartment company has also asked me to write blog posts for them – again this is something I’ve had great fun doing. As it needs more research than my usual topics, I’m finding out plenty of interesting information about places I’ve never been to!

On top of that, I continue to write posts for the Word Dragon blog – partly to help potential customers and jobseekers and partly just because I love doing it! I also write the odd post for the UK job search blog that I edit, too.

CV reviews

A few weeks back I revamped my CV review service and it’s proved overwhelmingly popular! Lots of people have taken me up on the offer of a free CV review - they’re a great way to raise awareness of Word Dragon and bring new customers into the business, whilst still offering value to those that can’t stretch to a full professional re-write.

CV contracts

I’ve been helping another CV writer to create CVs for a government contract that she has. These CVs are generally for unemployed people aiming to get back into work, so it’s been very rewarding to be able to make a difference to their job search.

Staff profiles

I still work with a construction company to write staff profiles for their bidding packs. The volume has dropped since I started – I originally had every employee on my to-do list! Now the bulk of the work is done and I only need to prepare profiles for their new starters as they step into the business.

Social media

I continue to post regularly on LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram – follow me for new blog posts, infographics, CV tips and updates about CV Shed.

Learning

For reasons I can’t entirely fathom, I decided in the summer – almost on a whim – that I’d do a Master’s degree. I’m now studying towards an MA in English at Nottingham University. Luckily, it’s a distance learning course, and super flexible, so it’s fitting really well around my other commitments. One assignment completed… 17 more to go!

I’ve also become a certified member of the British Association of CV Writers and regularly attend their Lunch & Learn sessions. Although we’re technically competitors, everyone is super supportive and it’s a great resource for both finding new clients and referring existing clients onwards. It's also reassuring for my customers to know that they're working with a certified CV writer, in what has become a very overcrowded industry.

Can I help you?

It’s been busier than ever here at Word Dragon, but if you need help I’ll always find time. Whether you’re after a new CV or content writing and editing services , I can make you sound amazing! Just get in touch and I’ll look forward to working with you in the new year.

How to tailor your CV to a job

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 13:01:15 GMT

If you’ve spotted a vacancy you’re interested in applying for, you’ll need to know how to tailor your CV to the job. After all, you only have a few seconds to catch the recruiter’s eye, so there’s no point sending a CV highlighting skills and experience that are irrelevant to the role.

Ideally, you’ll have prepared for your job search by compiling a master CV – one that contains all your skills, experience, qualifications, training, achievements and all-round awesomeness. Now that you’ve got a specific job in your sights, you’ll need to fine-tune that master CV to suit the vacancy. Here’s how:

How to tailor a CV profile

The profile is probably the most important part of your CV and therefore the one that needs the most attention. Make this your main focus when you tailor your CV. You’ll need to identify the key outputs of the role you’re aiming for (close attention to the job advert will come in handy here), then emphasise your ability to deliver on those outputs. For example, imagine a job advert specifies the ability to solve operational problems. The tailored CV could read “Solves complex problems by analysing data and driving innovation".

How to tailor CV key skills

To tailor this section of your CV, you’ll need to grab the job advert again. Highlight any specific skills required, focusing on hard skills rather than soft skills . Ask yourself what keywords a recruiter is likely to type in a search for suitable candidates, and make sure that those keywords are included – if you have those skills, obviously. When you’re thinking about how to tailor your CV to a job, this is an easy win as the recruiter will see your suitability at a glance. Ensure the skills highlighted here are backed up with facts elsewhere on the CV.

How to tailor experience and achievements

There should be minimal work to do in this section. If you’re ready prepared with a master CV, it should be as simple as reading through and deleting any experience not aligned with your target role. Try to reflect the vocabulary used in the advert - for example, if the advert requires expertise in Excel, specify that you can use Excel rather than Office 365. Do make an effort to make sure that the achievements you include show how you’ll solve their problems, take the business forward and meet the requirements of the role.

If your current job is similar to the one advertised, but your job title is somewhat different, an explanation or alternative title could help to show alignment. For example, if you’re applying for an Estate Manager role, but your current title is Property Manager, you could write “Estate / Property Manager” on your CV.

How to tailor qualifications and training

As a rule, high-level qualifications such as degrees and above should be included on every CV, so again there should be minimal effort required to tailor your CV here. Just remember that not every qualification or course that you worked so hard to complete will be relevant, though. Don’t be afraid to hit delete on your motor mechanic course if you’re applying for a role in financial services, for example.

A final check...

Before you send your CV off to impress a recruiter, don't forget to make a few final checks. Have your contact details changed since you created the master CV? Is your spelling and grammar spot on? Have you been consistent with headings, fonts and general layout? Does the advert request a cover letter to accompany the CV? These are all simple checks to make the right first impression.

Get help tailoring your CV to a job

If all this has made you realise that your CV isn’t in a fit state to be sent out yet, all is not lost. Word Dragon provides a full CV re-write service and knows exactly how to tailor your CV to a job advert. You’ll be job hunt ready in no time. Contact me to find out more!

Infographic - How to use figures on your CV

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 10:34:58 GMT

When you're writing a CV, it's not just the words that you have to get right. Numbers are just as important - if not more so! This infographic explains why you should include figures on your CV, which ones to include, which ones to avoid and how to get it right.

To find out more, this blog post has more detail on using numbers in your CV. Alternatively, if it all sounds like too much bother, Word Dragon can write the whole document for you! Let me create your perfect CV , while you relax.

Battle of the CVs: video CV versus traditional CV

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 10:56:53 GMT

Have you ever thought of applying for a job with a video CV? The trend is growing, thanks to platforms like TikTok, but is it helping applicants to land jobs? Which type of CV is likely to dominate recruitment in the future? Delve deeper into the pros and cons and find out how you can present the very best version of you – whichever method you choose.

What is a video CV?

A video CV features you as the star! It’s a brief clip in which you present a compelling case for a business to hire you, based on a film that you script, perform and edit yourself.

What is a traditional CV?

A traditional CV is a document detailing your skills, experience and qualifications in written format, usually in a bit more detail than you’d include on a video CV. This type of CV is generally what most recruiters would expect to receive.

Why are video CVs gaining in popularity?

It seems that young people overwhelmingly prefer to consume, and create, video content. Users of TikTok are predicted to rise to 16.8million in the UK by 2024, with the majority of users being under 30, and there are now over 50million UK users of YouTube, with 24% of those being under 25.

Such sites opened the door for video CVs – anyone can create them and anyone can share them. The new generation of jobseekers uses video as its go-to choice when consuming content - and many have grown up making video content of their own - so it’s only natural that this trend would spill over into the workplace. Video is where many people feel most comfortable.

It’s debatable who created the first video CV, but no-one can argue that they’re becoming increasingly popular as a new way to promote yourself to potential employers. And for employers looking to recruit young people, it's a trend that can’t be ignored. At the moment, however, they remain relatively uncommon and there are no statistics available to show their success rate in securing interviews.

But are video CVs better than traditional CVs? Well, that depends a lot on your personality and the expectations of the recruiter or hiring manager, but there are some pros and cons to bear in mind:

Pros of a video CV

They can show off your personality: You can let your personality really shine through in a video CV. If you’re naturally enthusiastic, bubbly and outgoing, it’s the perfect way of conveying that to a recruiter.

They’re authentic: The hiring manager will be able to see your authentic self, rather than the super-polished version that a well-prepared CV or application form can present.

They’re modern: For those looking to work in certain fields, using a video CV can show off your technical skills and your willingness to embrace new concepts and trends.

They can prove additional skills: It’s much easier to convey certain skills in a video CV – such as verbal communication, creativity, confidence, originality and more.

You can include a portfolio: If you’re in a creative industry, such as graphic design, writing or film, you have the option of including samples of your work in a video CV. With a traditional CV, you’re limited to a hyperlink to your portfolio at best.

They stand out: In a world where traditional CVs are still very much the norm, you’ll certainly be noticed and remembered for submitting a video CV.

You can expand on life experience: For those that are short on work experience, the video CV is a lot more flexible when it comes to bringing life experiences into the mix. There’s no need to focus solely on professional, paid work.

Cons of a video CV

They can be discriminatory: Potentially discriminating information, that would never be included on a traditional CV, is placed front and centre of a video CV. If a hiring manager has biases, they could be making judgements about your gender, race, disability, religion and even your haircut before you’ve opened your mouth. As well as opening candidates up to discrimination, companies accepting video CVs are also risking claims of discrimination from rejected candidates.

They’re not inclusive: A traditional CV levels the playing field by presenting a standard format for key information regardless of personality type. Extroverts are necessarily favoured by a hiring process based on video CVs – if you’re shy, introverted or just communicate better in writing, you’re starting off on the back foot with a video CV.

They can be inconvenient: From the perspective of an interviewer, it’s much easier to grab a traditional CV to discuss in the interview than it is to take a video in with them. They’re also more time-consuming to review – the initial scan of a traditional CV is usually under 10 seconds; it’s much harder to skim through a video.

They’re not widely accepted: Despite becoming more popular, the vast majority of jobs still request a traditional CV or application form, rather than a video CV.

They’re informal: If you’re applying for a very traditional role or in a very traditional industry, the video CV may come off as rather too informal.

They’re hard to tailor: We all know that a CV should be tailored to the role you’re applying for. That’s easy with a traditional CV – a handful of tweaks and you’re done. You can even do it while you commute to work! With a video CV, not only do you need to rework the script, you need to get dressed up appropriately, find a suitable location, spend time editing – it’s just not the best use of your time if you need to make a new video for each application.

Pros of a traditional CV

They’re inclusive: By eliminating characteristics protected under the Equality Act and creating a level playing field regardless of personality, the traditional CV is a much fairer way of recruiting.

They’re keyword friendly: A traditional CV can be easily skim-read for keywords by a recruiter and can also be easily searched by ATS s.

They’re expected: Most businesses are familiar with, and are able to receive, store and sort, traditional CVs – they’re a universally-accepted recruitment and job-search tool. That’s not always the case with video CVs.

They save recruiters’ time: A traditional CV can be quickly skim-read, scanned and filed. In a competitive job market, making the recruiter’s job easier can only be a point in your favour.

They give you confidence: A well-written CV that clearly articulates your successes and achievements should make you feel good about yourself and confident enough to walk into an interview knowing that you’re well equipped to do the job.

Cons of a traditional CV

They favour writing skills: If you’re more of a speaker than a writer, you may find it a challenge to create a strong traditional CV – but hey, that’s what professional CV writers are for!

They can’t gauge culture fit: A traditional CV can be quite dry – and while that’s great for reducing bias, it doesn’t give the recruiter any way to assess how a candidate might fit into the work environment or company culture.

How to create a video CV

Just because a video CV is less formal, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t put the same thought and planning into it as you’d put into a traditional CV. Take these steps to make sure that your video CV is remembered for all the right reasons:

Write a script and practice before you start recording – plan exactly what you need to say to sell yourself to the viewer.

Make sure that your background is professional – it could be plain, have samples of your work or include logos of companies you’ve worked for. Piles of washing and dirty plates aren’t the right look!

Dress up – wear clothing appropriate to the role you’re applying for.

Engage your audience – give them something interesting to look at beyond you staring into the camera from one angle.

Time yourself – video CVs shouldn’t be longer than a couple of minutes long.

Leave them wanting more – tease your top selling points and most desirable attributes and give the recruiter a reason to contact you.

Get feedback – ask your friends, family or colleagues to review your video and share their constructive opinions.

How to create a traditional CV

There’s lots of advice online about how to create the perfect traditional CV, but the basic ground rules are:

Choose an eye-catching, ATS-friendly layout – first impressions still count!

Use sub-headings based on your skills, experience and qualifications – don’t forget to add an introductory profile , to act as your elevator pitch.

Show your value - focus your CV on achievements, successes and the value you’ll bring to a role, rather than on previous responsibilities and what you want from a job.

Write concisely, using bullet points – a solid wall of text is off-putting, especially to someone pressed for time.

Get feedback – the same rule applies here as for video CVs. A second pair of eyes not only helps you to spot those final typos, but can also help you to fine-tune your document to make sure it conveys the message you’re aiming for.

What is the future of the CV?

While the video CV certainly has its advantages – especially for those creative or outgoing types – the traditional CV will be here to stay for some time yet. That’s not to say there’s no future for the video CV though – it may not be a replacement for the traditional CV, but think of it as an additional weapon in your job-search armoury. If you’re feeling confident – go for it!

When you’ve written your traditional CV and filmed your video CV, why not consider the upcoming trends of infographic CVs, website CVs and truly unique, one-of-a-kind CVs ? We’ll save those for another blog post…

Get your job search off to a great start

If you’re hitting the job search and need a traditional CV to catapult your application to the next level, why not ask Word Dragon to help? With a range of job-hunt services , you’re bound to find one to meet your needs. And, as an additional bonus, a professionally-written CV can boost your confidence – you may even find that you’re brave enough to create that video CV too!

The 10 most common CV mistakes

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 13:46:10 GMT

We all think we know how to write a CV – you just need to show off your experience and skills, right? Well, yes – but there’s more to it than that. If you want to make the right first impression on recruiters and hiring managers, make sure you’re not making these CV mistakes…

CV mistake 1: Omitting the profile section

The profile , positioned at the very top of your CV, is your elevator pitch. As the first thing a recruiter will read, it needs to emphasise your unique selling point, explain exactly what you can bring to the business and set you apart from other applicants. By not including a profile, you’re missing the best opportunity to sell yourself and make a fantastic first impression.

CV mistake 2: Writing long, wordy blocks of text

Recruiters in the UK are busy people and they don’t have forever to wade through the finer details of your CV unless they think it will tick some of their boxes. A solid wall of text is off-putting and hard to read – especially on a screen. Make their life easier and improve the presentation at the same time by cutting down wordy blocks.

CV mistake 3: Not including achievements

Long gone are the days when your CV was just a dry list of your responsibilities in each role. Nowadays, you need to set your application apart from others by demonstrating the value you’ve added to the company. By showing a strong record of performance and results delivery throughout your career, you’ll give the impression that you’ll perform equally well in your new role. It’s well worth racking your brains, speaking to colleagues and trawling through past appraisals to identify how you’ve contributed in each role. Not including achievements is one of the most common CV mistakes – and it does take time and thought to rectify.

CV mistake 4: Not quantifying facts

A CV isn’t just about the words! A good CV needs numbers too, to help the reader to understand the scope of your previous roles and successes. You may have said that you managed a team and controlled a budget, but there’s a difference between managing a departmental team of 4 staff with a budget of £10,000 and managing a multinational team of 60 with a budget of £400million. Help the recruiter to understand what you do and the level you do it at.

CV mistake 5: Not aligning your CV with the job advert

Generic CVs are SO last millennium! It’s now expected that you tailor both your CV and cover letter to the role you’re aiming for. That means pulling keywords from the job advert and showing that your values align with those of the company you’re applying to. It comes down, once again, to making it easy for the hiring manager to see how you’d fit into their team.

CV mistake 6: Using cliches

Enthusiastic, hardworking and reliable? Work equally well in a team and on your own? Well, that’s lovely, but it’s not original. Clichéd even for a school-leaver’s CV, your vocabulary really needs to be a lot more dynamic than this. Instead of making wild, unverifiable claims, tell a (short!) story to show that you really are the person you’re describing. For example, instead of saying you’re reliable, you could point to your perfect record of attendance or your reputation for never missing a deadline.

CV mistake 7: Presenting a poor layout

The visual presentation of your CV is the very first impression you’ll make on a recruiter – before they’ve even read a word. Keep it clean, well-spaced and easy to scan through. You may think that gives you free rein to go all-out with graphics and logos, but it absolutely doesn’t. Don’t be tempted to add the logos of awarding bodies, companies you’ve worked for and institutions you’re a member of… the focus of the CV should be you , not these other organisations. The images will likely introduce errors when your CV is scanned by an ATS , too. The same goes for skills graphs and visuals – they’re meaningless and unlikely to be interpreted correctly.

CV mistake 8: Not explaining career breaks

A career break is fine and normal… but not explaining it on your CV isn’t. Most career gaps happen for perfectly sensible and understandable reasons, such as raising a family, pursuing studies or even taking a sabbatical. One line is all it takes to explain that on your CV. Otherwise, you’re leaving the recruiter free to interpret it however they like – maybe you were in prison, or were fired from your last role? Of course, if that really is the case, focus on the positives, such as what you learned and how you spent the time away from the workplace.

CV mistake 9: Including outdated information

Modern CVs are all about selling your value to a potential employer. In the past, a full address, date of birth, objective statement and hobbies section were expected – but that’s no longer the case. They just distract from your main message. Similarly, consider removing dates (and even roles) prior to the millennium – age discrimination is illegal, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen, consciously or unconsciously.

CV mistake 10: Including potentially discriminatory information

Characteristics such as age, religion, race and more, are protected by the Equality Act. Recruiters can’t discriminate on these grounds when making hiring decisions, so information such as date of birth, nationality and even photos are big no-nos on your CV. Use the space you save by taking these details off to give the reader yet another reason to hire you.

This free CV template will help you to avoid some of the most common CV mistakes.

Need help?

Why not avoid the minefield altogether and get your CV written from scratch using Word Dragon's CV writing service! With over 15 years' experience and certification from the British Association of CV Writers, I know how to write a CV that avoids common mistakes. I look forward to helping you to take the next step in your career - contact me today !

Infographic - Questions to ask a professional CV writer

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 10:25:33 GMT

For anyone thinking of starting a job search, engaging a professional CV writer can be a worthwhile exercise. But there are so many out there! How can you choose the one that best meets your needs? This infographic explains the questions to ask a CV writer, and the research you need to do, to make sure that your CV writer is capable of producing high-quality job search documents for you.

Questions to ask a CV writer

Of course, Word Dragon would be happy to help with your CV - why not use the CV writing service to get a job-hunt-ready CV written from scratch? I'm looking forward to helping you kick-start your job search!

How to add languages to your CV

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 13:28:45 GMT

Communication skills always look good on a CV, so if you’re lucky enough to know another language you’ll certainly want to show it off! This post explains the best way to add languages to your CV, including where to mention them and how to explain them.

Why should I add languages to my CV?

We live in a connected world, where businesses operate on a global scale, with branches, suppliers and customers across the world. As if that’s not enough, colleagues, suppliers and customers in the UK may well not speak English as their first language. When you think of how much we communicate on a daily basis – whether in person, by phone, via email or online - the potential for working with someone who appreciates your language skills is vast!

Whether you’re a senior executive liaising with Board-level colleagues in another country or a customer service assistant handling inbound calls all day, the language skills on your CV are bound to be valued and appreciated.

Therefore, adding foreign languages skills to your CV is a great way to differentiate yourself from other candidates and highlight your ability to communicate with people of other cultures, countries and backgrounds.

Where do I add language skills to my CV?

Unless languages are an absolutely vital part of the role you’re applying for (for example Translator or Bilingual PA), they can sit near the bottom of your CV. Your skills , experience and qualifications relevant to your target role are likely to carry more weight, so they deserve a higher place on the billing. But once the recruiter can see that you fit their criteria in other respects, seeing your language skills might just swing the odds in your favour if they’re deciding between several equally qualified candidates.

Of course, if language skills are critical to your next role, you certainly want to emphasise them in the profile and skills sections - and possibly even the headline . You can also show in your experience and achievements sections how your language skills have benefitted previous employers.

Beware of overkill, though. Adding the same information to several sections is way too repetitive and will just bore the reader. Choose the prominence based on how important language skills are likely to be in your next role.

Whether your language skills are your main selling point of not, you can show them off by creating a new section, with the sub-heading "Languages", or you can add them to a more general "Further Details" section.

How do I add languages to my CV?

The most important information to convey about your language skills is:

Which languages you know
How fluent you are in those languages

If you’re more confident writing than speaking, or vice versa, you might want to add that, too.

The Common European Framework provides ratings to standardise language ability, but - unless it's critical to the job - employers may not be familiar with it. The safest option is to describe your knowledge in terms of bilingual / fluent / intermediate / basic and so on.

It's standard practice to list languages starting with your most proficient and moving to the least.

Examples of how to add languages to a CV

Below are some examples of how you might choose to add your language skills to your CV.

Example 1

FURTHER DETAILS

Languages: Native English and fluent French

Example 2

LANGUAGES

English: Mother tongue

French: Fluent written and spoken

Arabic: Intermediate spoken, basic written

Example 3

FURTHER DETAILS

Languages: Bilingual English and Spanish, conversational German

Example 4

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Polish: Level C2

Mandarin Chinese: Level A1

Need help with your CV?

If you’d rather sit down with a cup of tea and a boxset, why not take advantage of Word Dragon's CV writing service and let me write the CV for you ? I’d love to help you to take the next step in your career!

How to write a customer service CV

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 07:50:46 GMT

When you’re looking to progress a career in customer service, you need to persuade recruiters that you have the skills and experience they’re looking for. Your customer service CV needs to convey why you’re the right person for the job and convince them to invite you to interview.

In this article, you’ll find out what a customer service professional does, how to show off your customer service skills and how to lay out your CV. There’s also a customer service CV example, that you can use for inspiration!

What is customer service?

Customer service skills are used across a wide range of industries and in many different contexts, but the main aim of every customer service job is to help customers, resolve their problems, offer advice and share information in order to enable the company to achieve its financial goals. This can be done in person, by telephone, over email or even by webchat or on social media. Wherever you’re interacting with customers, you’ll need excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Writing techniques for customer service CVs

Your customer service CV needs to highlight your previous customer service experience, if you have any, and your transferable skills , if you don’t. It should also spell out the level you’re working at – for example Assistant or Manager – and which sector you specialise in – for example IT or fashion.

Your customer service expertise should be woven in throughout your CV, to present a consistent and compelling account of your abilities. Try to identify which parts of the role you’re best at – then emphasise these strengths. Perhaps you’re better at calming irate customers than your colleagues, or you’ve been chosen to train new starters. Whatever your particular area of expertise, make sure it’s highlighted to recruiters.

Remember that a CV with proof is stronger than a CV without, so if you're claiming, for example, that you've trained juniors, tell a story that proves that. Did your manager say you were the best trainer they've ever had? Did the trainees give you great feedback? Did your trainees get promoted faster than someone else's trainees? Make your claims believable and your CV will be more persuasive.

How to write a good customer service CV

You know your customer service skills and potential need to be convincing, but how exactly can you convey that when a blank page is staring at you? Take your CV one step at a time. You’ll need the following key sections:

Header

You’ll want to start with your name and contact details . An eye-catching headline is a great way to position yourself as a customer service expert from the very start. There’s no need for this information to take up more than two lines though – the space on a CV is best used for information that sells you, rather than practicalities.

Profile

This is the first impression you’ll make on the reader, so make sure that they can understand immediately what you do and why you’re good at it. Make sure your strength in customer service comes through strongly here. Maybe you could explain your customer service philosophy, include a great result you’ve achieved, convey your passion for helping others or show how you can solve a business problem. Focus on answering WHO you are, WHAT you do and WHY they should hire you.

Key Skills

Good listening, building a rapport, showing great product knowledge, patience, communicating clearly, solving problems, resolving conflict, being approachable and anticipating customer needs – the list of customer service skills is endless, and are all important on a customer service CV. Read some job adverts carefully and make a list of the most in-demand skills for your target role and industry, so that you can select which ones are most appropriate to include on your CV.

Career History

This is where your skills and experience will really shine through. Explain what you’ve done and how you excelled at it. Don’t just throw a list of keywords at your customer service CV, though. While including great keywords makes your CV more searchable, the reader will always want context and proof.

Don’t worry if you don’t have any customer service experience yet – you can focus on your transferable skills instead. Downplay any hard skills gained in non-customer-facing roles.

Your customer service CV will be more credible if you can tell some stories and include some results. Things like awards, recognition, customer loyalty and, of course, meeting targets and KPIs are all fantastic ways of backing up your claims. Instead of just saying “I’m great at customer service”, prove it with quantifiable results such as:

Won an award for best customer service in 2021, beating 100 colleagues across 4 stores
Regularly received 5-star feedback on TripAdvisor by providing attentive, personal service
Resolved 98% of customer support queries within a challenging 2-hour target

Education and Professional Development

If you’ve taken any customer service courses, or any relevant training, be sure to include them here. Relevant academic qualifications can also be added.

Further details

Consider anything else that might elevate your application above others. Language skills are a huge bonus when you’re dealing with the public every day. IT skills, especially CRM systems, may come in handy too. What can you offer that others can’t?

How to lay out a customer service CV

Choose a clear, standard font – usually about 10-12 point is the right size, depending on the font. Section headers should be larger, to enable readers to scan through quickly.

Graphics, logos and columns aren’t encouraged – choose a simple, professional format rather than an overdesigned layout or an online template that could introduce errors when scanned by an ATS .

Make sure there's a logical flow through your CV - for example, if your qualifications are your best selling point, position them above the career history and vice versa. Sticking to reverse-chronological order will ensure that readers see your most recent (and therefore most high-level) qualifications first.

Customer service CV example

Take some inspiration from this customer service CV example to create your own CV. Don’t just copy it though – a successful CV is tailored to your career and your target job.

Chloe Spencer Customer Service Manager

London, N1 * 07890 123456 * chloe@customerservicecv.co.uk

Professional Profile

An approachable and patient Customer Service Manager, specialising in complaint reduction for luxury brands. Motivated by happy customers and making someone’s day brighter. Confident leading by example to embed customer service excellence into large teams. Delivers training that enables staff to meet and exceed business targets in both call centre and retail environments.

Key Skills

Customer service Complaint resolution Product knowledge

Relationship building Interpersonal communication Confidentiality

Leadership Staff training Call centre operations

Professional Experience

Aug 2020 – present Customer Service Manager at Company X

Resolving escalated complaints to the mutual satisfaction of the customer and the business
Leading and training a team of 6 Customer Service Assistants
Listening actively to resolve both staff and customer problems

Key achievements

Reduced complaints by 33% in just 6 months by providing additional staff training
Won the Manager of the Year award for transforming service standards
Surpassed KPIs for call response times

Jan 2018 – Aug 2020 Customer Service Assistant at Company X

Listened to customer requirements and recommended products to suit their needs
Processed refunds and calmed angry customers, to retain their business
Contributed as a helpful and approachable member of the sales team

Key achievements

Exceeded sales targets by 20%, by proactively recommending and upselling products
Took on additional responsibility for training new team members
Achieved promotion to a management position due to exceptional customer service skills

Mar 2017 – Jan 2018 Self-Employed Fitness Coach

Interacted with people from all walks of life, demonstrating patience and empathy

Key achievements

Generated repeat business, having prioritised customer needs and satisfaction
Gained numerous referrals from happy customers

Education

2016: BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Customer Service

2014: 8 GCSEs, including English and Maths

Professional Development

2020: Leadership and Management

2019: Conflict Resolution

2018: Basic Principles of Customer Service

Further Details

Languages: Fluent English and Arabic, basic French

Availability: Immediate

Need more help?

If you don’t fancy writing your CV yourself, let Word Dragon do it for you ! With 15 years’ experience and membership of the British Association of CV Writers, Word Dragon is ideally positioned to help you to put your best foot forward with confidence.

Infographic - How to put achievements on your CV

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 14:50:54 GMT

You know that you need to include achievements on your CV, but how can you do it without sounding arrogant or bragging? Put simply, you need to identify, quantify, then articulate. You've got this!

For more detail - and plenty of examples - my blog post on how to include achievements on your CV has got your back.

Alternatively, why not just let Word Dragon write the CV for you while you put your feet up and enjoy life?

How to write a great CV headline (with examples)

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 09:01:35 GMT

A great CV headline can grab a recruiter’s interest and concisely convey your key selling point, so it’s worth putting some thought into making sure you get it right. It may only be a small part of your CV, but it can do a lot of heavy lifting if done well.

This article explains what to consider when writing your headline and also gives some examples of CV headlines to inspire you.

What is a CV headline?

Gone are the days when your CV would be titled “ Curriculum Vitae ” – talk about stating the obvious! These days, a CV usually begins with the applicant’s name and a CV headline that summarises what they do.

At its most basic, a CV headline will just be your current job title. That can work really well, as it shows the reader what you do and the level you work at. For example, a CV headline for a Sales Manager could simply be “Jim Jones – Sales Manager”. A recruiter looking for a Sales Manager will immediately know that this CV is worth their attention – and that’s the ultimate objective.

Remember that a UK recruiter doesn't have unlimited time to read your CV - so make your first impression count!

How to write a headline for your CV

When you’re writing a CV headline, you really need to focus on your target job.

If you want a role similar to your current one, then your current job title will probably be a perfectly sensible headline. You can tweak it to match the job title advertised, as long as the job is essentially the same. You could then add a bit of wow factor by highlighting one of your main selling points - such as "Award-Winning Copywriter" or "Software Developer skilled in Java".

If you’re aiming to step up to a more senior role, your job title is still a good place to start. From this position, consider what you’ve done in your current job that qualifies you for the role you’re aiming for. You need to stay truthful, whilst aligning your CV headline with the needs of your target job. For example, if you’re currently a Marketing Manager and looking to move into a more senior position, focus on the higher-level skills you’ve acquired and position yourself as a “Marketing Strategist” or “Marketing Manager delivering international campaigns” . The exact wording will depend on the focus of the role you’re aiming for – the advert should give you some clues and inspiration.

Keeping your options open? The headline for your CV could be as simple as a few related areas of strength – “Sarah Green – Trainer, Mediator and Facilitator”. Ideally, you'll write a new CV headline for every job you apply to.

The idea of the CV headline is to provide an at-a-glance summary that encourages a hiring manager to delve deeper into your application. Your job is to decide which parts of your career to highlight to achieve that aim. Keep it short and snappy – more than a few words and you’re writing a sentence, not a headline!

The perfect CV headline

The perfect headline IS...

punchy
short
persuasive
memorable
a concise summary of your main selling point

The perfect CV headline DOESN'T...

use cliches
extend beyond a few words
mislead

Where to put your CV headline

As the name suggests, the headline should go at the very top of your CV, after your name. It can be next to, or underneath, your name. Visually, the headline generally works best in the same size font as your name – or slightly smaller if you have a particularly long name!

CV headline examples

As we’ve said, a good CV headline piques interest. Therefore, focus on your reader and how you can meet their needs. Here are some CV headline examples that you can use for inspiration:

CV headline for students:

History Undergraduate focused on Medieval weaponry
Student specialising in social media marketing
Bioengineering Postgraduate

CV headline for accountants:

Accountant with 15+ years' experience
Accounting Manager and Tax Expert
CFO – Charity Sector

CV headline for customer service professionals:

Customer Service Manager with 98% satisfaction score
Multilingual customer service specialist
Customer Service Assistant - luxury brands

CV headline for Project Managers:

Transformation Specialist
Agile Project Manager
Project Manager – Finance and IT

CV headline for unemployed applicants:

Seeking a role in warehousing or logistics
Delivery Driver – Available Immediately
Experienced and Qualified Electrician

In conclusion

The CV headline is a great way to make a positive first impression and encourage the reader to spend more time on your CV. You can position yourself however you want, as long as you don't mislead, so craft something attention-grabbing and get your CV out there!

A good CV headline can increase your chance of being invited to interview. But, if you're struggling with any aspect of writing your CV, just put your feet up and let someone else do the job for you! With over 15 years' experience in writing CVs for every type of role imaginable, Word Dragon brings expertise and credibility to any CV. Join thousands of others who have benefitted from a professionally written CV !

How to list qualifications on a CV

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 11:01:25 GMT

As results season rolls around again, it’s time to look at how to list your qualifications on a CV. Whether you’ve just picked up your GCSE or A-level results, whether they’re better or worse than you’d hoped and whether you’re looking for a part-time job or a whole new career, Word Dragon has you covered.

What details do I need to include?

Every CV needs a section headed "Qualifications", but what information do you need to include here? Really, it depends on how long ago you completed each qualification and what work experience you have. The basic details are:

Subject (e.g. English or Business)
Level (e.g. GCSE or A-level)
Year of completion.

You may also want to mention where you studied, particularly if it’s a prestigious institution or a university.

Any additional details, such as modules, projects and grades, are entirely optional and will depend on how recently you graduated and whether they’re relevant to your next steps.

Should I list all my qualifications on my CV?

You don’t always need to include every qualification on your CV, but if you’re a recent school or college leaver then you may not have much work experience and your education is likely to be your strongest selling point - in which case you’ll want to make the most of it.

Of course, if you’re well established in your career, it's more likely that you should summarise your education or just include your highest-level qualification. There’s no need to include details that won’t sell you to an employer, so it’s always OK to be selective.

How do I deal with bad grades on a CV?

If your grades aren’t quite what you’d hoped, it need not harm your CV. The easiest way to deal with bad grades is not to mention them! You can say that you “achieved passes in…” or that you “studied subjects including…”. You don’t have to put any grades on your CV if you don’t want to - you can even leave selected subjects off altogether, if you’d prefer.

Lying about grades on your CV is definitely not ok though. Claiming better grades than you received could lead to instant dismissal if you get a job on the basis of your qualifications. A lie also shows a lack of integrity and is hardly a great way to start a career or a relationship with a new employer.

How do I show off good grades on a CV?

If, on the other hand, you smashed your exams, well done! You should certainly show this off on your CV, as it’s a great selling point when you’re applying for jobs. You can either add the grade you received for each individual subject or give a range (for example: 10 GCSEs, all grades 7-9).

Bonus points!

Don’t forget, school and college have probably given you more than just exam results. You can also include other highlights of your academic career on your CV, including awards you’ve received, contributions to a student council, positions of responsibility, sports teams and captaincies, peer mentoring and so on, if you're not yet established in your career.

Qualifications on a CV - examples

These examples of qualifications on your CV will give you an idea of how to present your education whatever your circumstances. Mix and match the ideas to come up with a qualifications section that works for you.

CV example education section if you have a degree:

BA (Hons) degree: French Language, Kingston University 2022

Modules included: French Literature, Linguistics and

Business French

10 GCSEs: Including English and Maths, all at grade 7 or above 2016

CV example education section if you’ve just finished A levels:

3 A levels: Maths (B), Physics (C) and PE (C), St Thomas’ VI Form 2022

AS level: Spanish 2021

8 GCSEs: English, Maths, Double Science, RE, Computing, PE, Spanish 2020

CV example education section if you’ve got great grades:

11 GCSEs completed at Cranmer School in 2022:

English Language (9)

English Literature (8)

Maths (9)

Physics (7)

Chemistry (8)

Biology (8)

French (6)

Spanish (6)

RE (6)

Business (7)

Music (6)

CV example education section if you’ve got poor grades:

7 GCSEs taken at Cranmer School:

Including passes in English and Maths (2022)

CV example education section if you didn’t pass any exams:

2022: Secondary education completed at Cranmer School

In summary

There’s no right or wrong way to put your qualifications on a CV. Your focus should be on selling yourself to an employer, whether that’s by emphasising your great grades, by highlighting the level of education you’ve attained or by deflecting the emphasis away from your education and onto something else. Find out more about writing a CV here .

If you need more input on any aspect of your CV, Word Dragon is ready to help! Simply d ecide which service is best for you and place an order - I'm looking forward to helping you.

The Word Dragon process

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 10:16:34 GMT

It's easy to get a new CV from Word Dragon!

Lots of potential clients ask me how the Word Dragon process works - it really couldn't be easier to get a new, professionally written CV!

Ready to orde r or have more questions ? I'd love to hear from you and help you on your way to a new job!

Six ways to save space on your CV

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 11:01:49 GMT

You’ve written your CV and given it a final proofread. There’s just one problem – it’s way too long! You could change the text to a really small font and make the margins teeny tiny, but that’s just going to look cramped and difficult to read. You need to get ruthless with your wording and formatting, so that you’re presenting a concise, easily readable and powerful document. But how? Word Dragon has some tips on how to save space on your CV.

1. Remove unnecessary contact details

If your contact details are taking up more than one line, you’re wasting space on your CV. You don’t need your full address on your CV these days (and certainly not spread over several lines!) – just the town and first part of your postcode is enough. Contact details aren’t your main selling point, so they don’t need to take up prime real estate at the top of your CV. Save this space for information that will convince a recruiter to take your application seriously!

2. Be selective about your responsibilities

Don’t just copy and paste your job description onto your CV. Apart from looking sloppy, it’s a real waste of space. It will have tasks that aren’t relevant to your current career aspirations and, if you’ve been in your current job for some time, it’s likely that it will also contain tasks you no longer do, but not tasks that you actually do. Ditch the job description and write a short, punchy summary of your role, including your main remit and key statistics, with your focus firmly on your ideal next step. Using short bullet points instead of a clunky paragraph has the benefit of forcing you to write concisely, as well as being easier to read.

3. Don’t go too far back in time

If you were working in the eighties (or even the nineties), there’s no need to include details from this time on your CV. The jobs are almost certainly not relevant to your next role and it leaves you open to age discrimination . If you want to show your career progression, then job titles and employer names are all that’s required. It’s unlikely that any recruiter will be impressed by the entry-level work you were doing 40 years ago if you’re applying for a senior leadership position – especially if it’s not even in the same sector!

4. Consider your hobbies carefully

Depending on what stage you’re at in your career, you really don’t need to dedicate much, if any, space to your hobbies and interests . Make sure that they take up an appropriate proportion of your CV. For example, if you’re fresh out of college, they may take up a large amount of space, but if you’re at Board level you really don’t need to mention them at all.

5. Remember less is more

There’s no obligation to include absolutely everything; it will just dilute the important details that you need the recruiter to focus on. Be selective about what you include and what you leave out. A clear, well-spaced and considered CV is more likely to make a positive first impression than a cramped document that requires the reader to wade through masses of irrelevant waffle. Tailoring the CV to the role means that you can be even more ruthless about what you cut out, so that only the information that really sells you is left.

6. Cut the personal stuff

Recruiters are busy people and they don’t want to spend hours poring over every CV. They just want to know, at a glance, whether you’re worth inviting to interview. Curriculum Vitae means “course of life”, but you shouldn’t take that literally. No-one wants to know your cats’ names, details of your messy divorce, why you quit your last job or why you relocated to the other side of the world. Just give them the information they need to make a quick decision.

If you’re still struggling to save space on your CV – or if you have any other CV-related questions – please do get in touch ! I offer full CV rewrites as well as LinkedIn profiles and cover letters .

Infographic: Why use a professional CV writer?

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 09:13:38 GMT

Not convinced about using a CV writer?

Using a CV writer could help your job search in so many ways.

This infographic demonstrates how using a professional CV writer can help you on your way to a new job by:

Helping you to stand out from the crowd
Focusing your CV
Showing off your value
Producing a modern CV built on best practice
Improving the language

It's a no-brainer! But don't take my word for it - Word Dragon has plenty of great reviews and testimonials across Facebook , Instagram and LinkedIn , so you can see for yourself. Ready to order? I can't wait to help you!

Should you put your date of birth on your CV?

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 09:19:43 GMT

If you’re wondering whether you should put your date of birth on your CV, well – the short answer is no! You could argue that there are advantages to including your age – for example, it shows the extensive experience you’ve accumulated, it shows you’re young and keen, it shows whether you’d fit in with the rest of the team – but you're second-guessing the reader's opinion and, technically, a UK recruiter should ignore this information.

Age discrimination

Employers are only allowed to hire on the basis of your ability to do the job - and your date of birth doesn’t give a good indication of that. In fact, they could be accused of age discrimination if they take your age into account at all.

There are certain protected characteristics that a hiring manager must not consider when making hiring decisions, according to the Equality Act. Job applicants are protected from discrimination due to:

Age
Disability
Gender reassignment
Marriage or civil partnership status
Race
Religion or belief
Sex and sexual orientation.

None of these are relevant to how well you’re able to perform in a role - and therefore they have no place on your CV.

Instead, your CV should focus on your skills , expertise, achievements and qualifications . That’s the information that will convince the reader to progress your application.

Current best practice

Were you taught to include your date of birth on your CV? Many people were, but that advice is considered outdated now. By not including your date of birth, you’re avoiding the recruiter making assumptions, rightly or wrongly, about your ability to do the job. You also avoid looking out of touch with current workplace norms.

Confidentiality

Don’t forget that, when you’re uploading your CV to a job site or emailing it off into cyberspace, people you’ve never met will be accessing it. So, the less personal information you include, the less chance there is of your details being used for identity theft. Adding a date of birth on a CV gives the scammers personal information that they just shouldn't have. You can be sure they won't be using it to send you a birthday card!

Clues to your date of birth

Of course, your CV will give a general impression of your age - there's no getting around it. Your employment dates and qualifications will likely give the recruiter some idea, but there's no need to be specific. Let's face it, your date of birth doesn't add any value. The job of a CV is to show the reader that you're suitable for their vacant position, and your birthday doesn't help to achieve that aim.

If you're worried about age discrimination in your job search, there's more you can do beyond simply removing your date of birth from the CV. Find out how to avoid age discrimination.

Is there any reason to put your date of birth on your CV?

Of course, the Equality Act only applies if you’re job hunting in Britain. Other countries have different laws and expectations. Adding a date of birth seems to be less common in Europe than it used to be, but places such as the Middle East and India are still keen to know lots of personal details that would be considered unnecessary and potentially discriminatory in Britain. If you’re looking for work abroad, it’s best to check the current advice with a reliable local source.

More CV advice?

If you’re still worried about diving into the murky waters of CV writing and are unsure of current best practice, why not ask a professional to write the CV for you ? Word Dragon would be happy to help ! There are services for every budget, so you'll be able to apply with a modern, high-impact CV when that dream role pops up.

How long should a CV be?

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 14:08:46 GMT

It’s the age-old debate of quantity versus quality. The perfect length for a CV has always been a hotly debated topic, but the truth is that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Clearly, 35 pages is too long and two sentences is too short, but there’s no hard and fast rule. As a rule of thumb, one to three pages generally suits most people.

Let’s find out which CV length is right for you.

How long should a CV be at entry level?

If you’re just beginning your career journey, a one-page CV is usually sufficient. It’s long enough to show off your education, personality and skills, whilst avoiding waffle and repetition. Recruiters can spot that a mile off! Don’t drag your CV out to two pages just because you heard that it’s the “right” length for a CV. The right length for a CV is personal to you and your career.

Have you already held a few part-time, voluntary or weekend jobs before starting on the career ladder? That's great - you have plenty of experience to draw on when writing your CV! Be careful not to go into too much detail though, particularly if these early roles aren't relevant to your target career. A short summary, focused on transferable skills and achievements, is more than enough.

How long should a CV be mid-career?

Two pages is generally considered the ideal length for a CV once you’re established in your career. That should give you enough space to highlight your experience, achievements and progression, whilst respecting the reader’s time when they have a pile of applications to deal with. If it’s well-thought-through, a two-page CV is feasible for most people. If you feel like you can fit it onto one page without selling yourself short, that's even better!

If you're struggling to contain your CV to two pages, there are plenty of hacks to help. You could also ask a trusted friend or colleague (or even a professional!) to provide input on the overall visual impression - a second pair of eyes is invaluable if you're struggling to see the wood for the trees.

How long should a senior executive CV be?

If you can outline your career in two pages, then you absolutely should – concise beats wordy any day. However, if you really feel like you’d be selling yourself short if you don’t use a third page, then go ahead. This option is generally reserved for Board-level executives.

Remember that more isn't necessarily better - you need to hold the recruiters’ attention and take this opportunity to pitch yourself as the perfect candidate. Think about adverts you've seen recently - in newspapers, through your letterbox or on billboards - and you'll notice that they're rarely crammed with words. They just say the bare minimum necessary to get their point across and sell the product. This should be your aim when you're advertising yourself.

Can a CV be longer?

Can a CV be more than three pages? Ideally not. Contractors, serial job hoppers and temps, among others, may feel that the sheer number of roles they’ve held means that they need additional space. However, longer CVs are rarely needed if they’re well written. If possible, try to stick to two pages and only spill onto a third if you really feel like you have no alternative.

Consider consolidating roles under common headers or focusing on selected highlights first. Don’t put off a recruiter by presenting a huge stack of information for them to wade through. Try to take a step back and focus on what really matters. Tailoring the CV to the job advert can help to make sure that irrelevant details are hacked away.

Is your CV too long or too short?

Check out the hints and tips below to see if there’s any way you can make your CV the length you're aiming for.

How can I make my CV longer?

If you’re struggling to fill a page, it’s likely that you don’t have much professional experience. Ask yourself these questions to make sure you’re telling the recruiter everything they need to know to make an informed decision:

Have you remembered to add a profile section?
Did you add enough detail to your professional experience to enable the reader to fully understand what you’ve done and what skills you’ve acquired?
Have you considered voluntary work that you could add?
Have you taken on any responsibilities at college, at university or in extra-curricular clubs?
Did you include your successes and achievements , as well as your responsibilities, for every job?
Is your education section detailed enough? Did you add university modules, projects, theses, high grades and skills acquired?
Are there any skills associated with your hobbies that you could add?
What can you offer, that other applicants potentially can’t? For example, IT applications you can use, languages you know and so on

How can I make my CV shorter?

A far more common problem is having to cram years of experience onto a few pages. When you have a significant amount of experience under your belt, it can seem impossible to fit everything in! Try these hacks to make your CV a more appropriate length:

Less is more – there’s no need to include every single detail of your career, so be selective
Save something for interview – just give an overview of the scope and general remit of your jobs
Avoid repetition by grouping similar jobs together under one heading
Summarise any roles you held over 10 years ago – it’s your recent career that people are most interested in
Don’t include a reason for leaving any job
Include only your highest-level qualification
Tailor the CV to every application, removing irrelevant detail from the master CV each time

Presentation

Your ultimate objective is to grab the recruiter’s attention and influence them to progress your application. Try to lay out your CV so that you make full use of the space available. Having a few lines dangling at the top of a new page, or a page that finishes half-way down doesn’t look great and shows a certain lack of attention to detail. Buy yourself some wiggle-room with these tips on making your CV fit the page perfectly:

Adjust the font size (not so tiny that it’s unreadable or so large that you look like a clown, though!)
Adjust the page margins
Add plenty of white space
Avoid solid walls of text - bullet point instead where appropriate
Play with the size of the headers

Final thoughts on CV length

If you’re still wondering how long a CV should be, remember – there’s no perfect length. As long as you’re telling the reader enough to pique their interest but not drowning them in detail, you’re probably on the right track.

If you’re still unsure and want more input on your CV, please send it to Word Dragon for an evaluation or a rewrite – I’m looking forward to hearing from you!

Infographic - Should you put hobbies on your CV?

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Fri, 27 May 2022 12:45:46 GMT

There's no one-size-fits-all answer here. The question you should be asking yourself isn't "should I put hobbies on my CV?", but rather "what value do my hobbies add to my CV?".

The key considerations are:

Could the space be used for more persuasive information?
Do your hobbies make you sound interesting, or interested in the job?
Do your hobbies add to, or merely duplicate, skills mentioned elsewhere on the CV?
Is your professional experience more relevant to the role than the hobbies on your CV?

There's no hard and fast rule about whether you should include your hobbies on your CV or not, but this infographic will help you to make an informed decision.

If you liked this infographic about including hobbies on your CV, there are several other infographics on my blog - which also has plenty of advice about CVs and job search. Alternatively, if you'd rather offload the chore of writing your CV, Word Dragon will do it for you ! Just fill in this short contact form to reclaim time to spend on your hobbies.

Infographic - How not to be naff and cheesy

Wed, 18 May 2022 09:01:46 GMT

Make sure your CV doesn't become a cliché

There's plenty of advice on this blog about how to write a good CV - but what makes a bad one? Here are a few examples of what to avoid when writing your CV if you really want to make that all-important fantastic first impression.

Keep your CV focused on concrete examples of your skills and achievements , rather than empty, overused phrases. It helps the reader to understand exactly how you'll fit into the role, the team and the company, without wasting their time with meaningless fluff.

If you're worried that your CV is riddled with cheese and falling a bit flat, why not ask for a professional re-write ? Word Dragon would love to take your job search to the next level!

How to write a CV with no experience (with example)

Wed, 11 May 2022 13:40:13 GMT

Staring at a blank page, with the ultimate aim of convincing someone to hire you, can be overwhelming whatever stage of your career you’re at. When you’re writing a CV with no experience behind you, however, it can be an even more dauting task. How can you fill the space?!

Never fear! Word Dragon has some top tips on how to write a CV with no experience that will not only impress recruiters but will also give you confidence as you enter the job market for the first time.

How do I start a CV for my first job?

Start at the top with your name and contact details. Add your given name and your surname - if you'd prefer to be known by a nickname at work, it's fine to use that on your CV. Your contact details should include your location (town and first part of your postcode), mobile number and email address. If you have a LinkedIn profile you can add a link to that as well, but don't worry if you don't have one. Links to other social media sites should definitely be avoided, though.

How can I make a good impression?

After your name and contact details, you’ll need to introduce yourself with a Professional Profile . As you’re at an early stage in your career, this will probably need to focus on your soft skills, your qualifications and your professional interests. This is one of the first impressions you’ll make on a hiring manager, so put plenty of effort into really selling yourself. Give the recruiter a reason to carry on reading your CV and a reason to think you may be the right person for the role.

Try to avoid using cliches such as Hardworking, Enthusiastic and Reliable - words like these are really overused. Instead of saying that you're reliable, for example, try to give a concrete example - such as 100% attendance or zero late marks.

What skills should I put on my first CV?

Even though you have no experience in the world of work, that doesn’t mean that you have no experience at all. Throughout your life you’ve been acquiring skills , so consider what they may be. If you play on a football team, you have team working skills. If you’re the Captain, you have leadership skills. If you arrange the matches, you have organisational skills. If you’re the referee, you have decision making skills. You get the picture!

Skills don’t just come from paid work, so have a think about what you’ve done – in any capacity – that will demonstrate your abilities on your first CV. It always helps to read the job adverts for some roles you’re interested in, before you start writing your CV, to see what skills are most in demand.

Don't worry if you don't have any hard skills to include at the moment. For entry-level roles, soft skills and attitude are more important - employers expect to train you in the hard skills needed for the role.

How do I include qualifications on my CV?

If you’re writing a CV for your first job, it’s likely that you’re still at school, college or university and therefore haven't finished your education. That’s fine! You can still include qualifications you haven't quite completed, as long as you make it clear that they’re “in progress” or “awaiting results”. Don’t forget to add the level and subject of each qualification. If you've completed them, add the grades too - as long as they're decent! For university-level qualifications, you can show off your expertise and interests by listing key modules and projects, too.

How can I write a CV with no experience?

When it comes to writing your first CV, pretty much any experience is worth considering! A CV isn’t just about paid, 9-5 work – employers need to know about your potential and what you’re capable of. Therefore, consider work experience organised through your school, voluntary work , activities undertaken as part of the Duke of Edinburgh award, pocket money jobs such as washing cars or babysitting, unpaid help you’ve given to friends and family, internships, experience gained through clubs, even an important academic project – the possibilities are endless!

Try to find at least one activity to include in this area, but don't worry if you really can't think of one. Tap up friends, family and teachers to see if they have any bright ideas, but if not - just skip this section. Ideally, you'll write something here, but writing nothing is always better than making up something that isn't true.

When you’ve identified which experiences you’d like to include, you can give brief explanations of what you did, what went well and what skills you acquired. It may help to discuss your various experiences with someone else, so that they can help you to decide which ones are worth including and what level of detail to add. Focus on your transferable skills, particularly if your target role is unrelated to your previous experiences.

Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and successes, underneath sub-headings that include your job title, the name of the organisation you worked for (if relevant) and the dates that you undertook the work. If you didn't have a formal job title, you can make up something appropriate - such as Volunteer, Assistant, Gardener, and so on.

Should I include hobbies on my CV?

If you’re writing a CV yet have no work experience, hobbies can be an excellent way of giving the recruiter a more rounded view of your interests and skills. Try to focus on hobbies that are relevant to the type of role you’re going for – and whatever you do, avoid obvious hobbies such as socialising and watching TV! When you’re writing a CV for your first job, this section can be longer than it would be for someone more settled in their career who may eliminate this section altogether. But for now, it’s a great way of bringing new skills, experience and personality into the document.

What else can I add?

If you have other skills that you'd like to include, that don't slot neatly under any of the other headings, you can create a new section to highlight them. Skills that are particularly in demand, that might fall into this category, include IT skills and knowledge of other languages.

You could also include a section for your academic achievements, if you've performed well at school, college or university. Maybe you were Head Girl, won a sports award, contributed to the school council, took a role as Student Rep or ran a society... whatever you achieved, consider whether a recruiter might be interested in it - and if so, include it!

What should my first CV look like?

Don’t be tempted to use an over-designed template that you found online! They may look good, but the formats are usually very prescriptive and they aren’t designed to be scanned accurately when read by an ATS . A splash of colour is fine for headers, but in general you should choose a layout that reads from top to bottom, with plenty of white space and clear section headings. Remember that you’re aiming to look like a professional now – graphics, photos and logos can distract and come across as gimmicky.

Generally, a reverse-chronological format works best - that means that your most recent (and high-level) qualifications and experiences are the ones that are seen first by the hiring manager.

At this stage of your career, and particularly if you have no experience, your CV shouldn't be more than one page long.

To get you started, download this free CV template .

Example CV if you have no experience

Here's an example of what your CV could look like if you have no experience:

Before you send your CV

Now you've got a great CV that you're proud of - you're ready to send it off and land that job! But take a moment before you do to give it a final check over. Check that your spelling and grammar are on point, the layout is consistent throughout the document and that it represents the very best version of you.

Get that job!

Now that you know how to write a CV with no experience, the world’s your oyster! Get someone you trust to give it the once-over to check for errors, then get out there and get that job!

Of course, if you’d prefer some professional help with your CV, Word Dragon offers a full CV writing service . Just a quick phone call to discuss the details and you'll soon have a knock-out CV to help you to land your first job.

What should my CV look like?

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 17:05:43 GMT

Everyone wants their CV to look amazing, to make a great first impression. The problem is, everyone has a different idea of what looks good! Word Dragon has some general guidelines to make sure your CV meets best practice standards whilst retaining your individuality.

Should I use colour on my CV?

There’s absolutely no reason why your CV shouldn’t include a splash of colour! It’s one of the few ways that you can bring a bit of your personality to the document and it can make your CV stand out from the others in the pile.

That said, there’s a right way and a wrong way to add colour. Remember, you want to come across as a serious professional, not a child who’s just discovered all the formatting options in Word. To make sure you’re standing out for the right reasons, follow these tips:

Try to stick to two colours, with one of them being black
Use colour to highlight, not distract – the content should speak for itself
Make sure that the colour doesn’t detract from the readability – avoid yellow on white, for example, and ensure the CV is readable both on screen and on a printout
Using colour in headings can work well

Using colour on your CV won’t have any effect on its ability to be read by an ATS – human readers should be your priority when considering the impact of colour.

Should I include a photo on my CV?

In the UK, it is strongly advised NOT to include a photo on your CV. We have anti-discrimination laws that prevent employers from judging your application based on your skin colour, age, gender, religion and other characteristics that can be deduced from a photo. While some of this information may become evident on close reading of your CV, a photo will be the first impression a recruiter gets of your and their bias, conscious or not, could affect their opinion on your suitability for the role. Additionally, if your CV is scanned into an ATS, a photo has a high chance of affecting its readability.

Should I include my logos on my CV?

A good CV should definitely not include your employers’ branding or logos from training companies! It happens more often than you’d think, as candidates hope to use the brand equity to impress future employers. But the CV should be about YOU, not them. The CV is not meant to sell your employer, it’s meant to sell you, your skills, your experience and your suitability. And don’t forget, these graphics will also negatively affect your CV’s readability when it’s scanned.

Should I use an internet CV template?

There are some eye-catching and unique templates available for free on the internet, which will certainly help your CV to stand out. There are several problems with using them, though.

Firstly, the most popular ones are used by so many people that, although you think you’ve got an original, stand-out CV, there are thousands of other people using the same template and thinking the same thing. Canva and Microsoft Word, I'm looking at you!

Secondly, they tend to be a one-size-fits-all approach. If you want to emphasise one section over another, add a new section or expand something, the format of the whole CV is thrown out and your document ends up looking disjointed, amateur and unfinished.

Thirdly, the vast majority of templates are created by designers, rather than by someone with an understanding of ATS. While your CV may look spectacular to a human, the ATS parsing may render it absolute nonsense and your hard work will be for nothing.

Word Dragon, a certified UK CV writing service with over 15 years' experience, has prepared a free CV template , which is a cost-effective alternative to a professionally written CV. Why not download the accompanying eBook to ensure you're meeting best practice guidelines when you fill it in?

Are the CV rules different for creatives?

If you’re looking to progress a creative career, such as in design, fashion or animation, a traditional CV may not show you off to your best advantage. CVs are becoming increasingly creative, with recent examples designed to look like computer ga mes, printed on company packaging and displayed on billboards. Are these the CVs of the future?

Probably not. While they’re eye-catching, they can’t really be filed away neatly for future reference or taken into an interview. That’s not to say they don’t have their place and, for creative careers, they certainly make the applicant stand out – just be prepared to back up your creative CV with a more traditional, content-focused CV if you decide to take this path.

Ready to write your CV?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of writing your CV, or you’re not quite sure how to present your experience, Word Dragon can help! Please get in touch to order a CV rewrite or take a look at the website for more information .

What are the best skills for a CV?

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 15:46:34 GMT

Skills should be woven throughout every part of your CV - but what’s the best way to do that and which skills should you include to attract UK recruiters? Word Dragon has the lowdown on how to make the skills on your CV pop!

What kind of skills should my CV have?

There are two main types of skill to showcase on your CV – soft skills and hard skills.

Soft skills

Soft skills are sometimes called transferable skills. They’re the sort of skills that will be useful in many different roles and industries. Examples of soft skills include teamwork, communication and reliability.

Hard skills

Hard skills generally relate to specific jobs or sectors. Examples of hard skills include computer programming, animal care and digital marketing.

Your CV should include both types of skill on your CV, but presented differently in different parts of your CV.

Where should I put skills on my CV?

Your skills should be evident throughout your CV and should shine through in every section! Here's where and how to show off skills on your CV:

1. In the Profile section

Analyse job adverts for the kind of role you’re interested in, to identify the skills which are most in demand. Weave the most common skills into your Profile . Ideally, you’ll focus on hard skills here, unless you’re applying for an entry-level role or changing career. For example, if you identify "data analysis" as an in-demand skill for your target role, you could include "specialising in data analysis" or "confident analysing large volumes of data" in your profile.

2. In the Key Skills section

Obviously! Directly below the profile, you should include a Key Skills section. Ideally, this will be around 6-12 keywords, emphasising the skills that you highlighted in the job adverts – as long as you genuinely do have these skills! Again, focus on hard skills if possible. For example, you may want to list "data analysis, data modelling, statistics, data visualisation" if those words appear in your target job advert. No long sentences needed for this section - easily-scannable bullets are the way forward. If what's specified in the advert is worded differently on your CV, change your CV so that readers can see at-a-glance that you're the right fit.

For entry-level roles and career changers , with limited hard skills, it can be beneficial to include soft skills too.

3. In the Career Summary section

Don’t stop at listing your responsibilities in this section – it’s a great opportunity to prove that you actually do have the skills you claimed in the Key Skills section. You can include hard and soft skills here, although the higher up the career ladder you climb the more the basic soft skills will be taken as a given. In the achievements subsection, try to give examples of when you’ve used each skill, alongside a positive outcome – for example, “demonstrated skill in conflict management by de-escalating incidents between door staff and the public, resulting increased customer safety and a reduction in police involvement”. If you can quantify the outcomes, that’s even better! In that case, it might read "used conflict management skills to reduce police call-outs by 75%".

4. In the Education section

Recent graduates or school- and college-leavers may struggle to give examples of professional skills on their CVs, but skills gained in education are just as valid. As well as detailing your qualifications , you can add skills to this section too – for example, multitasking when you juggled university deadlines with part-time work, leadership when you took a lead role in a group project, public speaking when you presented to the class, and so on. Once you're established in your career, the skills in this section of your CV can be removed.

5. In the Interests section

Not all CVs benefit from an Interests section, but if you’re a bit light on examples, or your extra-curricular activities show off skills that aren’t coming through elsewhere on your CV, then adding an Interests section gives you the opportunity to show off some more key skills on your CV.

6. In the Further Details section

Again, this section isn’t strictly necessary, but if you have any additional skills that might swing the application in your favour it can help to add an extra section. Maybe you can speak other languages, can use specialist IT applications or have skills gained through voluntary work ? If you don’t tell them, they won’t know! For example, you could show off your leadership skills by saying "managed a team of 3 volunteers as a Scout Leader".

What skills should I avoid on my CV?

While every skill is valuable in some way, there’s a risk of overkill. Consider whether the skill is suitable for the job you’re applying for, at the level you’re applying at. A Chief Executive doesn’t need to write about their communication skills – they wouldn’t have got to that level without them! Maybe it would be more suitable to highlight the related, but higher-level, skills of negotiating, influencing and public speaking. Similarly, if you’re applying for a role as a car mechanic, there’s no need to add your hairdressing skill on your CV. The golden rule is to keep the skills on your CV relevant and focused.

Example of skills on a CV

This CV has skills incorporated throughout – the notes to the side give a brief explanation.

Need help adding key skills to your CV?

If you need further help writing a CV where your skills truly shine through, check out Word Dragon's CV writing services and contact me! I'm looking forward to helping you.

Which is the best CV format?

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 09:15:07 GMT

When you start writing your CV , one of the first decisions you’ll have to make is about which is the best CV format to use. But why does the format of your CV matter so much? Well, the order in which you present the information and the detail you go into will have an impact on the recruiter’s perception. First impressions count, so it’s important to choose the best format for your needs, to ensure that the reader can see at a glance why they’d want you in the role.

There are three main CV formats, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. We’ll explore them in depth here, to help you to decide which is best for you. You’ll also need to consider the layout of your CV, so that the format complements the presentation.

1. The Reverse-Chronological CV format

The reverse-chronological CV does what it says on the tin. Your career and qualifications are presented in reverse chronological order, which usually means that the most relevant experience is at the top and is therefore the first thing the recruiter will read. Imagine applying for a position as a Chief Financial Officer, and the first thing the hiring manager finds out about you is that you had a paper round when you were 13! “Recent” and “relevant” are critical attributes for your CV.

The main benefit of a reverse-chronological CV format is that it makes it very easy for a recruiter to understand your career path and how your experience aligns with the position available. For this reason, it’s the most common type of CV and is generally preferred by both human recruiters and applicant tracking systems .

It might not be right for you, however, if you are trying to hide something – a period of long-term unemployment, for example. This format could also be unsuitable for career changers , when the focus needs to be on transferable skills rather than industry experience.

Example of a reverse-chronological CV

2. The Skills-Based (or Functional) CV format

A functional CV places more focus on skills than experience. Instead of a short skills matrix, the Key Skills section can be expanded to include specific examples of when you’ve demonstrated each particular skill. The career history is then significantly condensed.

The advantage of using this format for your CV is that, as the name suggests, it’s great for highlighting specific skills up front and is therefore ideal for those wishing to change career . It also minimises the visibility of periods of unemployment or job-hopping.

Although a widely accepted CV format, the functional CV has the disadvantage that it can be difficult for hiring managers to tell which skills relate to which roles - and therefore how recently you’ve had experience in using that skill.

Example of a skills-based CV

3. The Combination (or hybrid) CV format

The hybrid CV, as its name suggests, combines the best of both the reverse-chronological and skills- based formats. It retains the longer skills section from the functional CV and also the detailed career history from the reverse-chronological CV.

This CV format can work well for career changers with a consistent career history, as it’s great for highlighting transferable skills and strengths whilst still showcasing career progression.

The main drawback is that it makes the CV much longer and you risk losing the hiring manager’s attention. Duplication of information is also a risk to be avoided.

Example of a hybrid CV

Other types of CV format

Recently, technology has enabled even the least technical among us to create new and exciting formats of CV. The video CV , infographic CV and webpage CV are all growing in popularity, but should be avoided unless specifically requested. Most employers like to store and sort CVs using an applicant tracking system and they’re not currently set up to parse this kind of information. They're also hard to take into an interview for reference!

Which is the best CV format for me?

Hopefully the information above has given you a clear idea of which CV format will work best for you. If in doubt, the reverse-chronological is usually the best CV format unless you’re in an exceptional situation. It’s what’s traditionally expected, so don’t be tempted to use the latest CV format just because you can – most UK recruiters don’t want high-tech CVs… yet!

Should I send my CV as a PDF or Word document?

Another formatting question that comes up a lot is about the file format. CVs are generally accepted in Microsoft Word or PDF files – I’d advise sending a Word file unless otherwise directed, as they tend to be read more accurately by the applicant tracking systems. I’ve never yet heard of a company asking for CVs in Google Docs format, but I imagine it’s not far off! The main rule for choosing a file format is to do exactly what’s requested on the job posting.

Need more help?

If writing your own CV seems too overwhelming, Word Dragon can do it for you ! Make the most of my CV writing expertise to put your very best foot forward and land that next role sooner.

Is professional CV writing worth it?

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 08:52:47 GMT

They say that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. If you’re applying for job after job with the same CV, yet getting a rejection every time, maybe you should consider professional CV writing.

What does a CV writer do?

One of the main benefits of professional CV writing is the fresh pair of eyes that your writer can bring to your CV. Sometimes, you can be too close to see the wood for the trees – it can be hard knowing which parts of your career to include and which parts to play down. A CV writer will use their experience to identify the strengths and weaknesses in your CV. They’ll have seen thousands of CVs before and know exactly what works and what doesn’t.

CV writing services range from professional feedback to a full rewrite from scratch. Whatever level of service you need, and whatever your budget, there’ll be the right CV writing service out there for you.

Should you pay someone to do your CV?

My favourite testimonial from a happy customer said:

It’s an excellent way of saying that sometimes, you just need to call in the experts ! You’re likely to get a much better result than taking the DIY approach.

Are CV writers worth it?

There are thousands of people online claiming to be CV writers, ranging from large companies to small independents. Some are very definitely worth it, some are very definitely not. That’s why it pays to do your research and find the writer that’s right for you. This blog post gives tips on how to choose your CV writer .

How much do CV writers charge?

Just as the expertise of writers, and the service they offer, can vary wildly, so too can their prices. Rather than asking “How much is a CV?” you may as well ask “How long is a piece of string?”! Be wary of bargain-basement prices – the price is generally reflected in the quality of the work. Set your budget and then aim to find a writer who can meet your needs. Research is vital.

How can I find a CV writer near me?

There’s no need! Most professional CV writing is carried out remotely. If you’ve chosen your writer wisely, they’ll offer you a phone or video consultation and you’ll be able to communicate by email at any time. I’d advise choosing a CV writer based in the UK, so that the CV is produced in standard British English, but as you’re unlikely to meet in person then geography really shouldn’t be a barrier.

Who can help with professional CV writing?

Well of course, I’d love you to choose Word Dragon! With over 15 years’ experience as a CV writer, excellent testimonials and success in writing CVs for individuals in every industry imaginable, I think I can deliver exactly what you need. I believe I provide one of the best CV writing services in the UK! If you decide I'm not for you, just check out the other certified writers at the British Association of CV Writers .

If you have any more questions or would like to place an order , please get in touch. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

How do you write a cover letter? With example!

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 09:07:14 GMT

A cover letter serves a different purpose to a CV . While your CV showcases your skills, experience, expertise and qualifications , your cover letter should focus on the specific job you’re applying for. It needs to explain why you’re applying for that job, at that organisation, and why you’re the right fit for the role.

How should I write a cover letter?

A cover letter is just like any other business letter, in that it needs to be laid out in a formal style and written in professional language. Here, the elements of a great cover letter are broken down so that you can create a positive first impression.

What heading should I use for a cover letter?

You’ll need a header that includes your name and contact details (pro tip: copy the header from your CV to create a cohesive first impression). You also need to add the details of the company you’re writing to and the date.

Who should I address a cover letter to?

Ideally, you need to address it to the person who will be assessing your application. If their name isn’t on the advert , try hunting them down on LinkedIn or making a quick call to the company. As a very last resort, you can address it as “Dear Sir / Madam” if you really have exhausted all lines of enquiry - just don’t address it to a general department or job title!

How should I start a cover letter?

Firstly, state the job you’re applying for and the reference number, if one is given. Explain where you saw the advert, too – it helps the recruiter to see which adverts are working for them. Then, convey your enthusiasm for the role and state your main selling point in relation to the job advertised.

What do I include in a cover letter?

Over the next couple of paragraphs, briefly explain how you align with the person specification in the advert, with concrete examples from your career. Explain clearly how you can meet their needs. Don’t forget to include a sentence or two explaining exactly why you want to work for them.

How should I sign off a cover letter?

In the final paragraph, include a call to action – suggest they phone or email you – and be positive about the next stage of the recruitment process. Then you can simply add “Yours faithfully” if it’s addressed “Dear Sir / Madam” or “Yours sincerely” if you’ve managed to address it to a named person, before signing it. And you’re done!

Example of how to write a cover letter

If you need any more help with any part of your application, Word Dragon offers services ranging from a full CV rewrite to tailored cover letters and LinkedIn profiles . Please do contact me to find out more!

What is a CV?

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 09:30:34 GMT

If you're job hunting, you need a CV - but what is a CV, exactly? A CV, or Curriculum Vitae, is simply a summary of your career, skills and qualifications , used by recruiters to decide who to interview.

What is a CV for?

Recruiters evaluate the CVs they receive in response to job adverts, to decide which candidates best meet their requirements. The strongest will then be invited to an interview, or maybe an assessment centre, to assess their suitability for the role further. Essentially, it's your introduction to, and therefore the first impression you'll make on, a potential employer. As a result, it needs to very clearly show why you're right for the role and why you should be progressed to the next stage of the recruitment process. If you're not chose this time, your CV may also be stored in a database in case any suitable roles arise in the future.

How to write a CV

The best way to think of a CV is to think of it as your personal marketing document. Consider the last marketing document you saw – maybe a flyer you received through your letterbox for a roofing company. Your CV needs to take the same approach:

The flyer will have included the company name and details of how to contact them. Your CV needs your name and details of how to contact you.

The flyer will have said exactly what the company does and why you should hire them for the job. Guess what? Your CV needs to say what you do and why you’d be a good hire, too!

The flyer might have listed any industry accreditations and testimonials the company has – that’s the same as you putting your qualifications on your CV.

There’s plenty more detailed advice on how to write a CV here.

What do I do with my CV?

Now you know what a CV is and how to write one, the next step in your job search is getting it seen by the right people! You can email it to hiring managers and recruiters and also upload it to online job boards (such as Indeed, Monster or LinkedIn), where you can apply directly for advertised jobs. If your CV does well, you’ll be invited to interviews and get to work in no time.

What is a CV cover letter?

Often, when asking for a CV, a recruiter will ask for a cover letter too. This should be laid out like any other formal letter. In addition to backing up your main selling points, that you’ve outlined in the CV, it should also explain why you want that particular job, at that particular company. You should highlight any key skills, experience and achievements that are especially relevant to the role. Go into detail but try to leave them intrigued to find out more about you – one page is more than enough for a cover letter.

Where can I get a CV template?

There are thousands of CV templates available online, but exercise caution when deciding which ones to use. Many are over-designed and most aren’t created to perform well with an applicant tracking system . You can download a free CV template from Word Dragon here - it's ATS compatible and created by a certified CV expert with over 15 years' experience.

What if I need more help with my CV?

Are you finding all the CV advice on the internet overwhelming? Let me cut through the noise. I'm certified by the British Association of CV Writers and can write the whole document for you. Check out my CV writing services to see how I can help.

What is the best CV layout? With example CV!

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 14:42:37 GMT

The best CV layout is clean, professional and structured. But when you’re writing a CV from scratch , it’s hard to know where to begin! As well as thinking about the wording you want to use, you also need to consider the best way to present it. If you haven’t updated your CV for a while, it’s worth getting yourself up to date with the latest expectations to ensure you’re giving your CV the WOW factor.

What should a CV look like?

A CV should first and foremost look professional – you’re trying to impress a recruiter or hiring manager, not your mates. Graphics, logos and skills bars don’t go down well with UK recruiters, whereas a clean, linear format does.

Your main consideration should be your reader. Make their life as easy as you can. Remember that your CV is the first impression you will make on them, so if, at first glance, the layout appears sloppy then so will you. Your ability to demonstrate the right skills , experience, attitude and qualifications will carry far more weight with the reader than over-designed presentation.

Which is the best CV layout?

There’s no one “best” layout for your CV - it's a matter of taste, and what one recruiter loves another may hate. However, there are steps you can take to ensure that your CV makes a positive impact. The main rules are to keep it:

Easily readable - choose a font that is easy to read, both on screen and when printed out, in a sensible size
Structured - ensure there's a logical flow through the document and that headers are easy to pick out
Concise - cut out the waffle and use bullet points instead of long paragraphs
Consistent - this is an easy way to show your attention to detail and eye for presentation
Well-spaced - don't overwhelm the reader with a cramped layout

You’ll need to include the following sections:

Contact details
Professional Profile
Key skills
Career history and achievements
Education and professional development
Plus optional additional sections , depending on your personal situation.

An example of a great CV layout

If you’re looking for an example of a great CV layout – this is it! It’s my own CV, as due to client confidentiality I can’t share any others, but it lets us identify the key features that make a good CV.

So, what makes this such a good CV layout?

There’s a lot of white space, which makes it easy to read and digest
The section headers are clear and consistent
The font is Calibri 11 point – a standard, easily-readable font
The contact details are easy to locate at the top
It starts with a profile paragraph, that serves as both an introduction and elevator pitch
The career history is concise and uses bullets
Achievements are separated out from responsibilities, to draw attention to them
The early career is summarised, as the detail isn’t recent or relevant
Career and education details are presented in reverse-chronological order
Formatting is consistent throughout the document
There are no graphics, images, photos, logos or charts, to distract from the important content
There is a logical flow through the document

An example of a bad CV layout

So now you know what the best CV layouts look like, what layout mistakes do you need to avoid? Here's an anonymised example based on a CV I received:

What makes this a bad CV layout?

A photo is included - a bad idea that readers should ignore due to anti-discrimination legislation
Garish colours that detract from the content
Skills bars, star ratings and logos - virtually meaningless and likely to cause parsing errors in an ATS
Paragraphs that make a wall of text, instead of easy-to-read bullet points
No clear achievements highlighted
Education presented with oldest qualification first
Irrelevant personal details taking up space
Mistakes with spelling, punctuation, grammar and syntax
No logical flow of sections
Profile section that is generic at best and doesn't show how the candidate will add value

Should I use a layout from the internet?

Be very wary of CV templates that you find online. While some of them look great, the majority of them don't meet best practice guidelines and hardly any are ATS compatible . Over-designed CVs are more style than substance - clean, single-column CVs tend to work best. Many also have a pre-determined space for each section, meaning that you can't fit your own details comfortably into the space allocated. You'll either have too much space, or not enough.

If you need a template, try the one at the end of this article - it has been designed by a certified CV writer with over 15 years' experience in producing CVs that land interviews.

Still unsure about the best CV layout?

As long as you focus on your reader, you’re free to express yourself and experiment within these guidelines until you have the best CV layout for YOU.

Alternatively, Word Dragon can help you to put your best foot forward. With services ranging from a full CV from scratch to a job application toolkit , there's bound to be a service that meets your needs. Why not get in touch to see how I can help you?

Infographic - Stay-at-home parent CV

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 09:25:14 GMT

What can you put on your CV when you haven't worked for a few years?

When it comes to writing your CV, a blank page, combined with no recent work experience, can be somewhat daunting. Never fear, CV Shed has some handy CV tips for stay-at-home parents to get you started and back into work!

There's more detailed information on this topic in this blog post for stay-at-home mums . If you'd like a professional CV writer to create the CV for you, Word Dragon can help with that , too!

How to write a stay at home mum CV (with examples)

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 15:04:43 GMT

Being a stay-at-home parent necessarily introduces a career gap onto your CV, but it doesn’t need to be a problem. This post explores some strategies that you can use to help you to restart your career in whichever way suits you best. The approach you take is likely to be dictated, in the main, by whether you plan on returning to your original career or taking a new direction entirely. It’s important to decide on the type of role you’re aiming for before you start writing, as the strongest CVs are tailored to a specific type of job. Here are Word Dragon's top tips for writing a stay at home mum CV, with examples included.

Writing a stay at home mum CV profile

The profile should focus on the value you’d bring to a business. Saying that you need a job now that your children are at school doesn’t really sell you! If you’re returning to your former career, write as if the break never happened, emphasising your experience, unique value and career successes . If you’re aiming for something completely different, this section should bring out your transferable skills and demonstrate your commitment to the new industry.

Explain how you've used the time

Use the header “career break”, rather than “stay-at-home mum” or “homemaker”. It keeps the focus on your career rather than your family, and also gives you the opportunity to expand on the skills and experience you gained beyond clearing up Lego.

It may help to trim the dates on your CV down to just years, rather than including the month too. It can reduce the perceived gap and sometimes eliminate it entirely.

If you plan on returning to your previous career, there’s really no need to include any further detail at all. To avoid misconceptions you could add a short explanation such as “raised a family”, but further detail isn’t necessary or advisable unless it has direct relevance to your career path.

If, however, you’re planning on embarking on an entirely new career , then this could be a great opportunity to highlight relevant skills that aren’t apparent elsewhere on your CV. Maybe you’ve done a training course in your own time or volunteered at a local playgroup? You can use this section to show how you’ve made the most of your time off to develop yourself in preparation for this new career.

Here are some stay at home mum CV examples to show how you could present the break:

Good example: Bad example:

Include volunteering and side hustles

For many parents, being a stay-at-home mum isn’t just about raising kids. If you’ve participated in regular voluntary work , you can include it as a job on your CV. Treat it as you would any other role, detailing your responsibilities and achievements , with a focus on any skills that will transfer well into your target role. Position your volunteering work at the top of the career history if you’re taking a new direction related to that, or in a separate “Volunteering” section if not.

If you’ve taken advantage of the career break to set up a side hustle, again, this can be treated as a role in its own right. You’ll have needed commercial and financial acumen, customer focus and many other skills to get it off the ground and running, so identify the skills most in need in your target role and emphasise how your side hustle has developed them. Here are some stay at home mum CV examples showing volunteering and side hustles...

Volunteering example: Side hustle example:

Use hobbies to support a career transition

If your extra-curricular activities are related to your desired role, give them a shout out on your CV – particularly if you don’t have much professional experience in that sector. You’ll be able to include industry-specific keywords and convey a genuine interest in the role.

Expand CV timelines

CV best practice dictates that you go into detail for the last 10 years, summarise the previous 10 years and eliminate earlier years. For a stay at home CV, however, it can be wise to expand that timeline. If you’ve had a three-year break, for example, go into detail for your career over the last 13 years. That way, you won’t be selling yourself short on experience and skills when a recruiter scans through your CV.

Write a cover letter

It’s good practice to include a cover letter with your CV, whether you’ve been a stay-at-home parent or not. The letter gives you the opportunity to let your personality shine through a bit more than it can on a CV and you can also go into detail about your motivations. This is the place to include a brief explanation of your current situation and why you’re applying for the role. Remember to keep the focus on what you can offer to the business, rather than what you want from it!

Be positive about the break

A gap on a stay at home mum CV isn’t a negative – it’s a perfectly understandable and common reason to have a break in your career. Use it to strengthen your CV and – even if it felt like an unrelenting slog at the time – realise that you’ve developed new skills and gained new experience along the way to throw into the mix alongside those from your earlier career.

There’s more detailed CV advice in the Word Dragon book , or I'll even write the whole CV for you if you like! Find out more here .

How to read a job advert to get the job

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 08:31:40 GMT

If you’re applying for a new position, the likelihood is that you've spotted a job advert that aligns with your experience, skills, qualifications and career objectives. They generally follow a pretty standard format, which means that you should completely understand what the role involves and what the employer is looking for before applying.

That, in turn, means that you'll be able to present a persuasive application, that reflects your strengths, and convinces the recruiter to progress you through to the next stage of recruitment. Here's how you can read a job advert to your advantage.

Why is the job advert important?

The job advert doesn't just bring the vacancy to your attention, it tells you a lot more! It enables you to make sure that you understand the requirements of the role, be confident that it's the kind of role you're looking for and - most importantly - write a good CV and tailor your CV to show exactly how you meet the requirements of the role and why you're the right person for the job. Let’s look at how to dissect and interpret the job advert, to use it to its best advantage when preparing your application.

About the company

This section of the job advert gives you the chance to find out a bit more about the business. Are you interested in what they do? Do their values and ethics align with yours? Can you see yourself fitting in?

As well as helping you to decide whether it’s the right company for you, this part of the job advert also gives some insight that you can use on your application. This is particularly useful when preparing your cover letter , as it can help you to explain why you want the job and why you’d fit in – although you should also do further research into the company too, if you truly want to stand out. You can also use this information to improve your CV, by showing that you have the right industry experience and how you've demonstrated similar values.

About the role (the job description)

This section of the job advert tells you what you’ll be doing day to day. It gives you the chance to evaluate what relevant experience you already have and where there may be gaps, as well as whether you’re happy with what’s being asked of you. Will you feel confident in the role? Is it at the level you want? Will it provide development opportunities?

Red flags in this section include a list of generic responsibilities that don’t really tell you much about the role - that may mean that you’ll be expected to pick up the odd jobs no one else wants. It could even be a warning sign for a scam .

About the ideal candidate (the person spec)

From an application perspective, this is the most crucial section of the job advert to read thoroughly. There’s no need to tick every box to apply – it’s rare that someone will be a perfect match - but you should tick most of them. When you’re writing your CV, cover letter or personal statement, these are the guidelines to use. Try to include examples of as many of the requirements given in the job advert as possible, to show that you’re the best person for the job.

For example, if the ideal candidate has “Experience of managing a small team”, your CV should state that you’re currently “Managing a team of X many people”. Ideally, include a quantifiable success in this area, such as “Grew the team from 3 to 5 staff” or “Mentored a junior, who achieved promotion within 6 months”. Your cover letter could then take a new angle, such as explaining your leadership style or how you’ve built a more productive team.

In terms of writing your CV, this section of the job advert is basically like the teacher giving you the answers to the exam – they’re telling you what they want, all you have to do is prove to them that you have it.

The offering

So now that you’ve proved that you can meet their needs, can they meet yours? This part of the job advert tells you about the compensation package for the role – that’s not just pay, but benefits and company culture too.

You may decide to take a reduced salary in exchange for benefits such as a car, private health insurance, flexible working and so on, so do look at the whole package rather than just the bottom-line figure. It’s common for employers not to give exact figures, which is annoying and increasingly criticised, so have a salary range in mind and be prepared to negotiate further down the line.

Red flags to watch out for here include offering legal requirements as if they’re benefits – such as paid holiday or the right to request flexible working.

How to apply

It’s basic, but do make sure that you follow all the instructions in this section. If the job advert requests a cover letter with your CV, send a cover letter. If they ask for a personal statement of 500 words or less, send a personal statement of the right length. If they ask for files as PDFs rather than Word documents, convert your files to the right format. There’s no point wasting your time creating the perfect application if you’re going to throw it all away at the first hurdle.

There should also be clues to help with your cover letter in the job advert - for example, include the reference number, if one is given, and address it to the person named in the advert rather than "Dear Sir".

Save the job advert

Now that you’ve read the job advert in depth and tailored your CV and cover letter to role, give them one final check over and you’re good to go! Don't forget to save a copy of the advert, to refer back to when you're inevitably called for an interview. Good luck with your application!

If you'd like an expert eye on your CV, send the job advert over to Word Dragon and I'll write a CV for you from scratch, ensuring that it aligns perfectly with the role you're aiming for. Order here to get your job search moving !

A month in the life of Word Dragon - December 2021

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 17:04:20 GMT

This time last year, I blogged about what had been happening behind the scenes at Word Dragon. A year on, plenty has changed but lots has stayed the same. The last few months have been quieter than usual, but I have some exciting projects in progress and more lined up for 2022. Here’s a little insight into what I’ve been up to recently:

CVs for private clients

I’ve carried on writing CV, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles for private clients – this is the heart of my business. Over the last few weeks I’ve had some repeat business – clients who have finalised their initial order but returned for add-ons such as an extra cover letter or a new job to be added to their CV. I’ve also written a few CVs for clients worried about their job security or facing redundancy - it’s satisfying to be able to give them a bit of hope and confidence at a wobbly time.

Staff profiles

This time last year I’d just started a new contract with a construction company to write staff profiles for their bidding packs. They’ve returned a few times throughout the year for additional profiles and I’ve just completed the latest batch for their new starters.

A new contract

I’ve started writing CVs for another CV writer, who has a contract with a Job Centre service provider. I love writing these CVs for the long-term unemployed, as I can always add value and it’s so rewarding to be helping people back into work.

Content editing

I’m super excited to have landed a new contract to edit an established careers blog. I love creating and polishing content and this is a great opportunity for me to delve deeper into an area I’ve been really keen to expand into. I’ll still be writing CVs for Word Dragon and my other clients, and I’ll still be posting my own content on the Word Dragon blog and social media pages, but I can’t wait to get stuck in to this new project!

Promoting Word Dragon

I’ve been making more of an effort to promote Word Dragon and share CV advice across social media – my posts can be found on Facebook , Instagram and LinkedIn , so give me a follow! It’s been particularly fun making the infographics and they’ve had a lot of great feedback too. I’ve also shared success stories, top tips, blog posts and general information about the business. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see!

Looking ahead

December is traditionally a quiet time for CV writing and job hunting, so it’s a great time to be laying the groundwork before the January rush. I usually have a quick turnaround on CVs throughout December, but last January was my busiest month ever so I’d advise contacting me sooner rather than later if you’re thinking of placing an order . Sit back with a mince pie and some mulled wine, while I whip your CV into shape so that you can start 2022 with all guns blazing. New year, new career? Let’s go!

Infographic - the 3Rs of a great CV

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 14:12:46 GMT

Recent, Relevant, Results

The difference between writing a good CV and writing a great CV is to write from the perspective of the reader. Make sure that they can immediately see your value, without having their attention distracted by other noise. You can do this by using the 3Rs method. Get more information on how to take your CV up a gear in this article , summarised below.

Alternatively, put your feet up and let someone else do the hard work! Word Dragon can write your CV for you , leaving you to put your feet up before applying for jobs knowing that your CV presents you at your very best.

Infographic - How to write a profile for your CV

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 09:12:37 GMT

Write a profile for your CV that packs a punch!

How should you start a CV? Possibly the most important part of your CV is the Profile (also called the Professional Profile or Summary). This is your elevator pitch. Make a fantastic first impression on the recruiter by following Word Dragon's top tips on how to write a CV personal profile that blows their socks off.

If you don't have the time or the inclination to write a knock-out personal profile, Word Dragon has you covered. Fancy someone else writing your CV for you ? Just give me a shout.

Infographic - How to present contact details on your CV

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 10:35:53 GMT

No contact details on your CV - no job offer!

Word Dragon advises stripping out as much personal information as you can and leaving only what's necessary for a recruiter to contact you easily. Putting your contact details on your CV should be the easiest part of the job, but many get it wrong. Here's the Word Dragon infographic with some top tips on how to start your CV off well...

The ultimate CV writing guide for UK professionals has more advice to make sure your key job search document is up to scratch. If you could do without the bother of writing your CV, why not outsource it? Word Dragon has a range of services - just choose the right one for you!

Gifts for jobseekers

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 14:36:51 GMT

Do you know someone who's struggling to find a job? For those of you looking for a gift for a job seeker that shows thought and consideration, Word Dragon has put together a few present ideas.

An interview outfit

Your job-hunting friend needs to make a positive first impression when they step into the interview and knowing that they look the part will also have a knock-on effect on their confidence. The gift of a new outfit could give them one less thing to worry about.

A course

If your job seeker needs to upskill to progress their career, consider which training courses might help them. Whether it’s a local, online or long-term course, there’s something for every budget and subject available. It’s a thoughtful Christmas present that could have a huge impact on their future earning potential.

Motivational cupcakes

Job hunting can be a demoralising and depressing time, but who wouldn’t be cheered, inspired and reinvigorated by a box of motivational cupcakes? The perfect gift for a job seeker, and also for me, in case you were wondering.

A gift card

If money is an issue because your job seeker is unemployed, the most helpful thing could be to buy a gift card and let them spend it on what they really need. Put some thought into which gift card would benefit them the most – one from a local supermarket, so that they can buy necessities? One from a beauty salon so that they can get interview-ready? A travel card so that they can get to interviews and networking meetings?

Company and time

If your friend is currently unemployed, it’s likely that they’re having to watch the pennies and are feeling a bit low. Something as simple as taking them out for a coffee, meal or cocktails and picking up the bill afterwards could make all the difference – sometimes the opportunity to chat and offload with a friend is all the therapy you need.

A posh notebook and pen

Who doesn’t like to make a list? A notebook is invaluable to a job seeker for many reasons – recording their career achievements for their CV, preparing for interviews, noting contacts from networking events, tracking applications... the opportunities are endless!

A career book

There are hundreds of books out there focused on helping job seekers, including general career advice, how to write a CV, answering tricky interview questions, writing a cover letter, personal branding… the list goes on! Obviously, I’d recommend Word Dragon's eBook, Write a CV for the Modern Job Market !

A professional CV rewrite

If they’re not landing interviews, it could be their CV that’s the problem. New eyes on their CV could make all the difference, so why not give the thoughtful gift of a professional CV rewrite ? A new CV will show off their achievements and strengths, so as well as increasing their chances of getting that new job, you can also give your jobseeker a confidence boost! Word Dragon offers gift vouchers - just ask when you order!

Festive greetings

It’s too early to be wishing you a merry Christmas, but I hope this list has given you some inspiration for thoughtful gifts for job hunters. Enjoy the season knowing that you’ve made a difference to someone’s future!

How Katie side-stepped into a new role

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 11:50:30 GMT

The client

Katie had been working in HR Generalist roles for 14 years and wanted to move into a role focused on HR information systems. There was a role advertised with her current employer that seemed to be exactly what she was looking for.

The problem

Katie’s existing CV was outdated – there was no role-specific information, nor did it show how she’d contributed to the business. Critically, there seemed to be very little overlap between her previous roles and her target role, so the new CV somehow needed to convey her suitability despite little relevant experience.

The solution

I asked Katie to send me the advert for the role she was interested in, so that I could align her CV as much as possible with the specified requirements. We then had an extended consultation , during which her enthusiasm for the new role really shone through. She knew she could do it, we just had to convey that somehow on the CV.

Having identified the key words in the job advert, we discussed where her experience overlapped and included as many examples as possible. I also built an achievement-heavy CV, so that the hiring manager could see that she was able to deliver results consistently. As the professional experience wasn’t quite strong enough on its own, I also mentioned some relevant activities outside of work that would boost the credibility of the CV.

A cover letter was also required, which gave me the opportunity to expand on Katie’s insight into the company and the industry, as well as reinforce her qualifications for the role. In particular, it emphasised her IT systems knowledge.

The result

Katie sent her application off on Friday and was invited to an interview the next Thursday. The following Tuesday, I received a very excited message telling me she’d got the job! Her CV was enough to land her the interview and, combined with the natural enthusiasm she’d shown in the interview, the team were impressed enough to offer her the role. I hope she settles in quickly and wish her luck going forward.

If you want to be Word Dragon's next success story, please check out my services and get in touch .

How to write a career change CV

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 08:36:05 GMT

Changing career can be daunting, potentially with new skills to learn, an new industry to understand and new qualifications to gain. The first step is to get your CV into shape . Word Dragon has the lowdown on the best way to do this to step confidently into your new career.

1. Focus on what's relevant

Firstly, it’s important to remember that the most successful and impactful CVs are the focused ones. Having a target role in mind when you write your CV ensures that you can tailor it perfectly towards that role. It may be tempting to think “but I’ll take ANY role, I just want to get out of what I’m doing now!” – but that approach means that your career change CV will end up so generic that you’ll come across as no more qualified than a school leaver. If there are a few different areas that interest you, it may be worth preparing CVs tailored to each one.

2. Identify keywords

Now that you know where your career change CV is going, find out how to get there! That means scouring job adverts relevant to your target career to identify the kind of skills that keep popping up. These are the important keywords to weave into your new CV. As your current role is very different to your target role, you may find it beneficial to have a detailed skills matrix above your career history - these keywords could be great subheadings. Underneath, give examples of how you’ve used each skill. Which brings us on to…

3. Show don’t tell!

Back up your claims with examples. A header saying “ teamwork ”, followed by a bullet that says “I work well in a team” isn’t very helpful. Instead, back up your claim with fact – what was your specific role in the team? How did you contribute to the team? Why did the team benefit from your involvement? If you can back up your claims with concrete figures , that’s even better... but some skills are easier to quantify than others. A career change CV, more than any other, needs to show how your skills align with the role requirements.

4. Cut the job details

When describing your previous roles, don’t go into too much detail. In particular, you’ll want to cut out any role- or industry-specific jargon to make your career change CV more accessible to recruiters from other sectors. It often works best if you provide a top-level overview of your role (ask yourself what the POINT of you is... what were you hired to do, in a nutshell?). A line or two describing your remit and the scope of the role is probably sufficient, but don’t skimp on the achievements section – UK recruiters will still want to know that you can contribute to the business.

5. Write a knock-out profile

Remember that the profile section is the first thing a recruiter will read – make it count! Don’t dwell on your past career, but rather focus on the skills and experience you have that will be relevant to your new role. Clearly show how you will be able to make an impact, even in a different career.

6. Bring in your life outside of work

If you have hobbies and interests that are relevant to your career change CV, by all means shout about them! They're a great way of bringing in skills that might not come across elsewhere. There’s no reason to concentrate solely on your career if you’ve chaired committees, been a member of clubs, produced newsletters, volunteered your time, provided mentoring or any number of other things in your spare time. The point of a career change CV is to show how you are suited to a particular role, not to waste the reader’s time with unrelated details.

7. Show a commitment to on-going learning

If you’ve undertaken any learning in preparation for a career change, make sure you mention this early on. Even if the training isn’t completed, you can still include it as long as you clarify that it’s “in progress” or “due to complete next year”, for example. You can include informal and online training, as well as recognised qualifications. Membership of relevant trade bodies and associations is also worthy of note.

8. Include a cover letter

CVs can be rather impersonal, but with a cover letter you can let your personality really shine through. More importantly, you can also explain your motivation for seeking a career change and why you’ve chosen a particular role.

Need more help?

If you feel like you need professional support with your career change CV, Word Dragon would be happy to help. Just choose which service you're interested in and get in touch !

How to choose a CV writer

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 14:19:23 GMT

The decision to source professional help with your CV requires a financial investment – how can you be sure that you’re choosing the CV writer who will give you the most bang for your buck? There are various options – ranging from large CV mills to small independents. This blog explores the different options and considerations, so that you can be sure you’re making the right decision.

Should I choose an independent CV writer or a larger business?

Choosing an independent writer will require a bit more effort, to make sure you find the right one for your needs, but it will probably pay dividends in the long run.

The quality of CVs churned out by large CV mills can vary considerably – some of the writers will be highly experienced, some will be new to the job. Some will write full time, some will write for extra cash around another job. Some will be based in the UK, some might not even be native English speakers. There’s no guarantee which writer will be allocated to your order, so it can be a bit of a lottery.

You should also consider how much the writer will be paid, if you use a CV mill. The business will take a huge cut of your payment – sometimes as much as 85% - before they pass your order on to a freelance CV writer. How much is your writer being paid? How many hours do you expect them to spend on your order for that much? What do expect from them for that price?

Choosing an independent CV writer will usually ensure that you receive a higher quality document and a more personal service, as their business reputation is based on customer satisfaction, referrals and recommendations.

You’ll need to consider the following questions before you make your choice either way:

How can I contact my CV writer?

Most independent writers pride themselves on providing a much more personal service than you would receive from a larger business. A phone consultation benefits both the client and the writer, enabling the client to explain their requirements, objectives and experience and the writer to understand the client’s needs, expectations and concerns. You should also make sure that you have the opportunity to contact your writer throughout the writing process – either by phone or email. You may need to provide additional information, check on progress or request changes. Some businesses charge an additional fee for a phone call, so double check what’s actually included in the advertised price.

What experience does my CV writer have?

When lockdown hit, many people found themselves stuck at home with time to kill. As a result, a new wave of people branding themselves as CV writers, with minimal (or no) experience, arrived. It’s worth checking out your CV writer on LinkedIn, or reading the About section of their website, to check that they actually have a background in CV writing. If they’ve been doing it for a few years, sustainably, they’re more likely to know their stuff than someone who’s just set themselves up with a laptop and some good intentions.

What do other clients say about my CV writer?

While it’s unlikely that any writer will publish bad reviews, LinkedIn and social media can provide an insight into what other clients are saying about your chosen CV writer. If the reviews align with what you’re looking for, you’re probably on to a good thing.

What qualifications does my CV writer have?

Absolutely anyone can set themselves up as a CV writer in the UK – no qualifications are necessary. However, you may like to look for credentials such as experience in your sector, membership of the British Association of CV Writers, an academic qualification that requires a high level of literacy or a degree in a relevant subject.

What services does my CV writer provide?

If you just want a CV, that’s fine! But many CV writers also provide additional services that could ease your path into a new role. LinkedIn profile writing, cover letter writing, interview coaching and career coaching are just a few. Many also offer a discount on CV updates, which can save you paying for a whole new CV when you progress into another role. What would help you most?

Is the pricing competitive?

If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys, as the saying goes. Low-cost options won’t provide the value or quality you’re looking for. There are also very high-cost options – but they don’t necessarily provide more value than mid-range options. It’s up to you to decide how much you’re willing to pay and whether the investment is likely to be worth it. Check out a few options to see which one will work best for your needs and your budget.

Does the CV writer trade on ATS fears?

Plenty of CV writers win business by scaremongering about ATS systems and suggesting that they have the secret to beating them. If you’re not sure what they are, check out my article here . Yes, they exist, but no, they’re not your enemy - nor will they reject your CV. There’s no great secret to writing an ATS-compatible CV, just a few simple rules to bear in mind. A well-written and well-presented document will probably meet most ATS requirements without much extra effort.

Is your data secure and your privacy respected?

With CV writing services being delivered, in the main, remotely, it’s important that your personal data is secure. If you don’t want your current managers or colleagues to know that you’re job hunting, it’s also important that your CV writer understands the need to communicate discreetly and sensitively. Check the small print to make sure that your data isn’t being passed to a third party and will be treated confidentially.

Where does Word Dragon fit into all this?

With over 15 years’ full-time experience as a professional CV writer, Word Dragon takes pride in delivering a best-in-class service. The price includes a phone consultation of 15-45 minutes before you receive your first draft, plus as much email contact as you need. I provide personal reviews of every CV and guarantee never to sell you a service that you don’t need. My services include LinkedIn profile and cover letter writing, as well as discounts on updates. While I don’t offer interview or career coaching, I can refer you to trusted specialists in my network if you require these services.

The CVs I write are ATS-compatible, but I will never try to sell you a CV you don’t need by claiming that you won’t get a job unless you have some kind of specialist knowledge of ATS systems.

Word Dragon offers a risk-free process to upgrade your CV. If you're sure the service is right for you, dive straight in with a full re-write . For those that want to give it a go themselves, I offer full guidance in a job search toolkit .

I have a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, a Master's degree in English, a proofreading certificate, membership of the British Association of CV Writers and personal experience of working in a multinational company, start-ups and both the public and private sectors.

I regularly publish client feedback on Instagram and Facebook and have plenty of recommendations on LinkedIn .

In summary

CV writing services can vary wildly. In order to receive a CV worth the investment, you really need to do your homework, choose wisely and be prepared to work collaboratively with your CV writer.

Of course, Word Dragon would love to help you out in progressing your career. You can order a CV or send me an enquiry here . If you feel that another writer could meet your needs better, I recommend choosing one from the membership list available from the British Association of CV Writers , where all writers have demonstrated the ability to write high quality CVs and have both a commitment to sharing best practice and a willingness to continually develop their expertise.

How to write a resignation letter

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 08:13:35 GMT

The UK is experiencing what has been termed The Great Resignation , with workers quitting their jobs to embrace roles more aligned with their priorities. Are you planning to join their ranks? Maybe you’ve even landed your dream job? Congratulations! Now to start the transition process from your current workplace to your new one. Word Dragon has put together a few tips on how to write a resignation letter and resign with professionalism.

Handing in your notice

First things first – you need to tell your current boss that you’re outta there. Tempting though it may be to resign in style, explosively listing all the things you’ve found wrong with your boss, your workmates, the company and its culture, we all know that’s the wrong way to go about things.

Before burning your bridges (you still need to stay on everyone’s good side to get good references and to maintain your reputation in the industry, after all!), take a deep breath, have a celebratory drink and sit down to write your resignation letter.

Ideally, if you have a reasonable relationship with your manager, you should tell them verbally of your offer before handing over the resignation letter as a formality. Don’t tell your other colleagues before you tell your boss, though – your manager won’t appreciate hearing about your resignation through the grapevine.

How do you write a resignation letter?

Address your resignation letter to your manager and keep the letter formal in tone, however well you know them. State that the letter is written notice of your resignation and that you will work your contracted notice period, giving the date that you plan to leave. It’s fine to give a date later than your contracted notice period if you wish – the notice period is a minimum, not a maximum.

You may wish to add a note of thanks for any opportunities you've had during your employment, or for the support you’ve received, or anything else positive that you feel bears mentioning in writing.

It isn’t necessary to explain why you’re leaving. Many larger companies will hold an exit interview, which will give you the opportunity to say anything that you feel is relevant and constructive. And whilst your reason for resigning may be entirely positive, if it’s not, then venting your frustrations in writing won’t do anything for your credibility or professional reputation.

Finally, remember to keep a copy of the resignation letter for your own records.

Top tips for writing a resignation letter

The three top tips to remember are to:

Keep it professional and formal
Keep it positive
Keep it brief

Template resignation letter

Here's an example of how to write a resignation letter in the UK, that you can use as a template:

14th September 2022

Dear Richard,

Re: Resignation

In accordance with the terms of my contract, please accept this letter as formal written confirmation of my resignation as Project Manager, as I will shortly be moving on to a new challenge. I anticipate that my last day will be 16th October, in line with my notice period.

I am very grateful for the opportunities I’ve had whilst in this role and am particularly grateful for the support that you provided during last years’ acquisition project. I will, of course, do my utmost to ensure the seamless transfer of my duties and projects before leaving and am more than happy to train my replacement.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the 5 years I’ve spent with the company and wish both you and the organisation the very best for the future.

Yours faithfully,

Joe Smith

Get ready to resign!

If you're ready to quit but need some help landing that next role, take a look at how Word Dragon can help . Make the right first impression on your next employer with a professionally-written CV.

Just for fun

Now you know how to do it properly, here are some very creative resignation letters. If you plan on taking this route, you’d better be very confident that your boss will see the funny side – and you should also prepare a more official letter for the HR files!

How a new CV opened up a new career for Greg

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 13:02:50 GMT

The client

Greg was working as a Mechanical Foreman and was keen to move into a more senior position in the construction sector. Opportunities with his current employer were limited, so he knew that he’d have to look elsewhere for his next role.

The problem

Greg had been working in the same industry for 16 years and had been with the same employer for the last eight. He hadn’t needed a CV since he got his first job at the age of 16 and didn’t know where to start with writing one ! He had many years’ experience that needed condensing into a professional document that would generate interviews.

The solution

As Greg didn’t have an existing CV for me to work from, I arranged an extended consultation with him. During the call, we discussed his career aspirations, his previous roles and responsibilities and his values. Importantly, we also covered his career successes and identified what would set him apart from other candidates applying for the same roles.

The result

I produced a concise, one-page CV that summarised Greg’s career, value and leadership skills. His feedback was: “Looks great. Everything looks like it’s been covered. Very happy with that thank you”. Two weeks later he contacted me to say that, following several interviews, he was expecting a formal job offer!

If you'd like to see how Word Dragon can help you to move your job search forward, please check out my services . If you'd like to see results like Greg, why not drop me a line here ?

How to get maximum value from your CV consultation

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 10:32:01 GMT

When you order a full CV re-write from Word Dragon, it includes a consultation of 15 to 45 minutes. During this call, you'll have the opportunity to discuss your specific requirements and career aspirations. We’ll also discuss any information that is missing from your CV, so that I can fill the gaps and prepare a compelling, informative document. We may not need to cover every point below (depending on the information you provide up front) but we may discuss:

Your ideal job

The best CVs are targeted towards a specific job, so it helps if you have some idea of the type of role, or the job title, or even just the industry, that you’re interested in. If you’re applying to a particular role, please email me the job advert in advance so that the CV can be tailored exactly to that position. If you don’t have a specific job in mind, I can produce a master CV focused on your ideal job that you can then tweak to meet the requirements of individual job adverts.

Dates

In addition to the dates of employment for each role you’ve held, I’ll probably need to know the year that you completed each qualification and training course you’ve done. If you can have this to hand, it means that your first draft will be as complete as possible. I’ll need more detail on your recent activity than your earlier career.

Missing information

If I can identify anything that's not currently coming through on your current CV which would make it stronger, add keywords or give clarity, I'll prompt you for more detail on the various roles you've held.

Your achievements

It’s a tricky one, but come to your consultation prepared to brag! I promise it won’t sound arrogant by the time it’s written into the draft. Think about how you’ve excelled, contributed and succeeded in your roles over the last 10 years. Don’t tell me “it wasn’t that kind of role” or “my main achievement was surviving!” – that doesn’t help me to differentiate you from other job applicants. If you’re struggling to come up with anything, try looking back over previous performance reviews, speaking to colleagues and looking at what you’ve been involved with beyond your standard job description. My blog post about achievements might help too.

Your USP

Your USP is your Unique Selling Point. Why should a recruiter call you to interview, rather than any other applicants? What can you offer that they can’t? If you can help me to articulate this, in terms of your values, skills or expertise, your CV will be stronger.

Don’t worry!

The consultation is a chance for us to have a chat and to help me understand your needs and your career. It’s not a job interview and it’s not a problem if you don’t have all the answers. I’m not trying to put you on the spot or trick you, I’m just trying to make your CV as strong as it can be, so that you can get moving in your career.

Stay in touch

Remember that the consultation is time limited, so try to stay on track so that we can cover everything we need to. Extra time can be purchased in 15-minute increments but is rarely needed if we can stay on topic. If you think of anything to add, or you need to provide further information, you can email me at any time throughout the process. I will always consider all details that you provide and write them into the draft if they add value. Similarly, if you have any questions at any stage, just drop me a line.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, you can contact Word Dragon here .

How a great personal statement set Gemma up for a new career

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 09:03:34 GMT

The client

Gemma had been running her own business for a while, as well as raising a family and working in voluntary roles . She’d decided it was time to re-enter the job market and had a solid idea of the type of role she was targeting.

The problem

As a super-busy mum, carer, volunteer and businesswoman, Gemma hadn’t actively looked for a new job for years. She had so many other demands on her time, that she wasn’t able to spend hours tailoring applications to each role and wasn’t sure about the requirements of the personal statements that employers were asking for.

Having seen an advert for her perfect role, as a Teaching Assistant at her daughter’s school, she decided that she needed some support with writing a winning personal statement. Word Dragon was recommended to her by a neighbour, so she got in touch.

The solution

I asked Gemma to send me the job advert and the completed application form, so that I could understand the requirements of the role and exactly where Gemma’s skills and experience aligned with them. That enabled me to get a basic outline together, but there were still lots of gaps. We arranged a consultation , during which I asked Gemma about her career and personal life in the context of the role advertised.

It became clear from our chat that Gemma was extremely qualified for the role. The job had a few parallels with her existing business, but I soon realised that by bringing in her personal and voluntary experience I could make her application even stronger. The stories that I gleaned from Gemma during our consultation meant that I was able to include specific examples that proved she was qualified for the role, rather than relying on vague generalisations.

Following our consultation, I crafted a compelling personal statement that showed how she met every part of the Person Specification. When I was confident that the document showed Gemma in the best possible light and would immediately enable the school to understand her suitability for the role, I sent off the first draft for her feedback and input.

The result

Gemma’s initial feedback on the first draft of the personal statement was great! “Oh wow. I don’t think it needs any tweaking. I even asked the hubby to read it and he said it’s just missing the words “I’M AMAZING” at the bottom. Lol. I think this is perfect. Thank you so much”.

Even better, she took the time to contact me a few weeks later with the following message: “I just wanted to let you know that I got the job as TA. I had my interview on Thursday. They rang me 3 hours later to say they wanted to offer me the job and that I was perfect for the role. A big thank you for your help on writing up my personal statement. I don’t think I would have even stood a chance without your help. I start April!”.

I’m so pleased that Gemma was able to secure this role – she was obviously the right person for the job, we just needed to convey that to the employer. The personal statement that we produced enabled her to secure an interview, where her natural enthusiasm and ability must have shone through. I know that Gemma will be making a huge difference in her new role.

If you'd like to see how Word Dragon can help you, please check out my services to elevate your job search to the next level!

How to put volunteering on your CV

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 13:11:47 GMT

It’s common to think that only paid work is relevant, but unpaid voluntary work can be a great addition to your CV. It can help you to incorporate more skills , demonstrate your commitment to helping others in your community and show off some of the person behind the career. UK recruiters are more than happy to consider voluntary work when they have a vacant position. But how should you present volunteering on a CV?

There are two main categories of job seeker who could add voluntary work to their CV – those just starting out in their career and those who’ve already made some progress up the career ladder.

If you're looking for your first job

At the very beginning of your career, you may feel like you have nothing to write on your CV. With no formal or paid work to include, voluntary experience can very well plug the gap. Here are just a few examples of volunteering to get you started – there are bound to be plenty more!

Work experience through school or college – it may only have been for a week or two, but every little counts
The volunteering section of your Duke of Edinburgh award – even if you no longer do it, you’ll have gained valuable skills and experience
Helping friends, family and neighbours – for example cleaning cars, babysitting or feeding pets
Positions of responsibility related to your hobbies – maybe you led a sports team or looked after younger children at a club you belong to, for example

All of these voluntary jobs are worth including on your CV if you've never had a paid job. As your career progresses, you’ll probably choose to remove the less relevant ones and focus mainly (or even solely) on paid work, but this initial volunteering on your CV can be invaluable in convincing potential employers to consider your application.

If you're established in your career

If you’ve already made inroads into your career and have a decent amount of paid work experience behind you, the approach to putting volunteering on your CV will vary depending on your situation.

If you’ve had a career break , you could include voluntary work in your Career History section to help explain any gaps in the chronology. Minimal detail is necessary, unless it’s directly relevant to your career.

If you’re looking for a new job that’s more related to your voluntary work than your previous career, you might like to make your volunteering the focus. The easiest way to do this is to add a Voluntary Experience section above the Career History and put the details in there. Focus the volunteering on role-specific responsibilities and the career section on transferable skills.

In any other situation, it really depends on how much value the volunteering would add to your CV. If it’s not really relevant to your current career aspirations, you may not want to mention it at all, or you could simply include one line at the bottom saying that you volunteer in a particular role at a particular organisation.

Otherwise, if you’ve gained skills from your volunteering that aren’t evident elsewhere on your CV but could be relevant in your next role, add a Voluntary Experience section below your Career History. Explain not just your responsibilities, but which skills you’ve gained, how you’ve used them and how this has benefited the organisation.

If you’re in a position of significant responsibility or leadership, for example a Trustee or Board Member, it’s always worth a mention in some capacity. Whether you give it a single line or a whole section is up to you – everyone will give it a different weight, depending on their previous career, current objectives and space available on the page .

How to add volunteering on your CV

You’ll need to include the position you held (guess at a relevant job title if it wasn’t a formal position – for example Dog Walker or Babysitter). You could add “(Voluntary)” after the job title, if you wish, or even just use “Volunteer” as the job title, if you’re really stuck.

Then list the name of the organisation you worked for, the dates you worked there and your responsibilities. The focus of the responsibilities could be transferable skills, if the volunteering isn’t related to your target role, or role- or sector-specific skills, if it is. Show how you contributed to the organisation or made a difference – it’s great to show a potential employer what you’ve achieved .

In conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to including volunteering on your CV. The key to getting it right is viewing it from the perspective of a potential employer, asking yourself how you can use the experience to better sell your suitability for the role and influencing the reader to progress your application. Above all, try to keep details of your volunteering relevant, concise and in line with the requirements of the job you’re applying for.

If you'd like professional help, Word Dragon is always ready - why not see how I can support your job search ?

How to get a job with a disability

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 09:38:01 GMT

For those with disabilities, there are additional considerations when navigating the job search process. Important questions include “when should I mention my disability?” and “should I even mention it at all?”

There’s no right answer to any of these questions, because everyone, and every disability, is different. There is no legal obligation to disclose a disability during the recruitment process (equal opportunities monitoring forms should not be used to inform decisions about progressing an application), so the key is to do what is right for you personally.

Word Dragon has pulled together some considerations for every stage of the recruitment process, so that you can work it to your best advantage.

Should my CV include details of my disability?

Pros of including your disability on your CV

You may gain peace of mind by addressing the issue at an early stage
Any career gaps as a result of your disability can be covered briefly, honestly and positively

Cons of including your disability on your CV

Your CV is your personal marketing document and should only include information that will sell you to an employer and prove your ability to do the job
Anything that doesn’t support the primary aim of securing an interview should not be included
You risk your first impression being that of “a disabled person” rather than “a competent professional”
You risk discrimination

Should I mention my disability in a cover letter?

Pros of covering your disability in the cover letter

There’s more scope for a personal touch to your explanation than there is on the CV
Employers are obliged to make “reasonable adjustments” to accommodate people with disabilities during the recruitment process - this is the ideal opportunity to secure what you’re entitled to
It could strengthen your application if worded effectively, as your disability could help you to do your role better – for example, applicants with autism often have in-depth subject knowledge and minute attention to detail
An early explanation may avoid future misunderstanding of your needs – either during recruitment or once employed

Cons of covering your disability in the cover letter

It doesn’t usually add anything that would sell your skills, experience and ability to make the recruiter want to progress your application

Should I bring up my disability during a job interview?

Pros of discussing your disability during interview

Some discussions are better had face-to-face, when there is a more personal element to the interaction
If your disability isn’t visible, you can win them over with your suitability for the role first
You can assess their attitude towards your disability, which may affect your decision on whether you would feel happy working for them or not
You can explain away any doubts an employer might have about your suitability

Cons of discussing your disability during interview

You risk the interviewer becoming focused on your disability, rather than your ability

Should I disclose a disability when I receive a job offer?

Pros of mentioning your disability when you have a job offer

You’re in a strong position to negotiate adjustments you may need going forward
You'll be feeling more optimistic about getting a job with a disability if you've got this far

Cons of mentioning your disability when you have a job offer

You may feel you’re too far along in the recruitment process to suddenly disclose a disability at this stage

Do I have to tell an employer about my disability?

Pros of not telling a potential employer about a disability

Disability discrimination is illegal, but it still exists – you may miss out on your dream job due to someone else’s prejudice
You may not feel comfortable sharing personal information with others

Cons of not telling a potential employer about a disability

You can’t expect the employer to make adjustments to the recruitment process and your future working conditions if they aren’t aware of your additional needs in the first place
You won't have any legal protection

Further help getting a job with a disability

Whatever your approach to job hunting, it’s important that you focus on the positives, make it easy for the employer to hire you and do whatever you feel is right for your career. You are in control of this aspect of recruitment and can do it on your own terms and in your own words.

If you need further advice regarding your CV, why not work with Word Dragon ? I'll write the CV for you, providing a confidential service in line with your needs, to ensure that you're job hunt ready in no time.

How to include achievements on your CV (with examples)

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Tue, 04 May 2021 10:46:59 GMT

The strongest CVs are those that are focused not on what you've done, but how you've added value. By including achievements on your CV, you’re positioning yourself as a valuable asset to the company – someone who will go above and beyond to deliver results, rather than sitting around doing the bare minimum. That will obviously count in your favour during the selection process!

You may have had your CV reviewed and received the feedback that you come across as a do-er not an achiever, or that your job descriptions aren't results focused. Firstly, don’t feel too deflated at the feedback you’ve received. Reviews from large companies are usually very generic and designed to undermine your confidence to sell their product. Secondly, Word Dragon is here to provide all the guidance you need to include achievements on your CV.

What is an achievement in the context of CVs?

A CV achievement shows how you have positively impacted the business and made a difference. There are hundreds of ways you may have contributed to a business, so it’s impossible to list every potential achievement you could put on your CV. Try to identify ways in which you have surpassed the demands and expectations of your role, delivered a positive result or made a difference. A few examples to get you started:

Increased profit or productivity
Reduced costs or waste
Won awards
Received positive feedback from clients or colleagues
Exceeded targets or KPIs
Improved processes or quality
Overcame business problems or challenges
Improved customer service or satisfaction
Developed junior staff

This is by no means a comprehensive list but should give you some ideas. If you’re struggling, look at past performance reviews or even speak to colleagues to see if they can jog your memory.

Quantify your achievements

When you've identified achievements for your CV, you need to quantify them. Wherever you can, add numbers . Quantifying your achievements makes them more credible and backs up your claims with facts. They also give the reader a better idea of the scope of your role. If the numbers themselves aren’t that impressive, or are confidential, consider using a percentage instead, or broader phrases such as "doubled" or "multi-million-pound".

Explain what you did

Now that you've identified and quantified your achievements, you need to - very briefly - explain how you got the results. Start with the STAR method. Write down the Situation, your Task, the Action you took to complete it and the Result you achieved. This may give you a paragraph that's far too long to use on your CV, but now you have the key information to strip back to the bare essentials and convey in one or two lines.

Put your achievements together

Now you're ready to write your achievements onto your CV. The process could look like this:

Identify: You increased sales.

Quantify: Sales have gone up by 20% since you started the job six months ago,

Explain: Sales were consistently below target and it was your responsibility to bring them back on track. You did this by explaining the situation to your team, incentivising them to increase sales and providing additional training to staff who needed it. As a result, your team actually beat its targets.

Achievement: Increased sales by 20% in just 6 months by incentivising staff and delivering additional training, resulting in a historically underperforming department surpassing targets for the first time ever.

I don't have any achievements for my CV!

Yes, you do! Everyone has achieved something. Even if you're just turning up every day and doing your job, you're still having an impact on the company. Why are you in that role and not someone else? Take a look at your job description to see how you can frame some achievements. Maybe you were in charge of sales pitches, for example, and regularly pitched to potential clients. As it stands, that's just a responsibility, not an achievement. But you could frame it like this:

Regularly pitched to clients, winning business from 75% of all pitches delivered
Delivered pitches to audiences of up to 15, presenting confidently and persuasively to win 12 new clients
Won new business valued at £20,000 by delivering influential pitches, overcoming objections and explaining product benefits

Sometimes, just doing your job is enough. If you're still struggling to find achievements for your CV, you could think too about what you're good at that your colleagues aren't. Not everyone can mediate conflict between colleagues, or explain complicated processes and concepts to new starters, or find the best way to overcome an unexpected challenge, for example. What would other people say you've done well?

Everyone has achieved something in every role - you just need to pinpoint it!

Presenting achievements on your CV

You could use just one main heading to list all your achievements throughout your career, but to create an even better CV it’s wise to add a “Key Achievements” sub-heading for every role. That way, recruiters can see not only which achievements are more recent and which role they relate to, but also that you have a strong record of achievement running through your entire career.

Bullet point them, to ensure that they stand out and are easy to read - these are your main selling points, after all!

Choose dynamic vocabulary

Impress your reader with words that immediately show that you're an achiever. Consider: increased, reduced, improved, enhanced, delivered, won, grew, developed, transformed, progressed, enabled, exceeded… the list is endless! Try to write from a reader’s perspective and crank up the wow factor.

Personal achievements on your CV

Don’t confuse personal achievements with professional achievements. Whilst it may be a great personal achievement that you improved your communication skills or learnt to use a new IT system, this doesn’t generate a direct result for the business. Try to focus on specific outcomes that have directly impacted the company’s success.

The exception to this rule is for those that have very little – or no – work experience . In that case, it’s fine to include achievements such as academic awards, fundraising involvement and extra-curricular successes.

Also, stick to true achievements only! Making up achievements not only shows a lack of integrity but can also be classed as fraud.

CV achievement examples

Firstly, here's a general example of how your CV achievements section could look on the page:

Branch Manager – Fred’s Building Supplies (May 2022 - date)

Managing day-to-day branch operations. Identifying and maximising sales opportunities. Spearheading a team of 5 sales staff. Leading by example to deliver first class customer service. Controlling costs. Driving compliance with health and safety regulations.

Key achievements

• Opened 150 credit accounts in just 6 months by leveraging a strong network in the building sector

• Increased trade sales by 105% within 1 year by building a reputation for service excellence and product availability

• Reduced stock loss from -2.5% to -0.2% by developing strict new procedures

• Consistently exceeded branch targets for sales and cost control through staff training and mentoring

• Passed health and safety inspections with full marks

And some more specific CV achievement examples, to give you some idea of what to include and how to word your achievements:

CV achievement examples for students:

Successfully completed the Duke of Edinburgh silver award
Won selection to captain the netball team, winning 8 out of 10 matches that season
Enabled course improvements by communicating student feedback to lecturers as Course Representative

CV achievement examples for line managers:

Provided supervision, coaching and mentoring to an underperforming colleague, who went on to achieve his targets within 6 months
Reintegrated a colleague following a period of long-term sickness, in collaboration with Occupational Health and HR teams
Designed an Inclusive Leadership course for senior executives, which was rolled out to 12 departments across the business following positive initial feedback

CV achievement examples for senior leaders:

Spearheaded a £2million project to integrate a new business acquisition, which was delivered within a challenging 4-month deadline
Launched new products in the Australian market to achieve projected profit of $9million in the first year
Negotiated successfully with suppliers to reduce training costs by £20,000 per annum

When you’ve included your most impressive achievements on your CV, be prepared to talk about them further at interview stage.

Top tip: Make sure your whole CV shows you off to your best advantage with the Ultimate CV Writing Guide for UK Professionals.

Need help with achievements on your CV?

If you need any further input on your CV, please do take a look at Word Dragon's CV writing services to see how I can help. From a job application toolkit to a full CV from scratch , you can have a better CV whatever your budget. I'd love to help you land your next role!

What is your CV missing?

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 13:34:18 GMT

You’ve written your CV and it has all the obvious sections – Contact Details , Key Skills , Education and Professional Experience. You’ve quantified your achievements , checked your spelling and created a killer layout . But you may be asking yourself “What I have I forgotten to include on my CV? What can I add to stand out?”.

Here, Word Dragon has some suggestions for some additional information that you might like to think about, to set yourself apart from other applicants. Remember though – don’t add anything that isn’t relevant to the roles you’re targeting. A UK recruiter doesn’t want to wade through reams of unrelated information to find the bits they need.

1. Write a professional profile

This section isn’t really negotiable – you need it on your CV, but for some reason many people don’t include it. Think of the profile as your elevator pitch. How would you introduce yourself to a hiring manager and why would they want to recruit you? Position your profile at the top of the CV, to hook the recruiter and encourage them to read on.

2. Include languages

We’re working in a global marketplace and with multinational colleagues. Any language that you can speak beyond English is a great selling point and emphasises your superior communication skills. Don’t forget to state your level of fluency, too.

3. Improve your CV with IT skills

Most roles require some level of IT proficiency, so why not mention which specific applications you can use? Don’t forget to list any coding languages you know, as well as key software. Industry-specific packages always help your CV to shine.

4. Add your professional development

Think beyond your formal academic education to include any further learning. This covers training courses, online learning, workshops, conferences, certifications and much more. Whilst experience goes a long way to showing off your value, further professional development shows off your commitment to ongoing learning, anchors in some additional keywords and emphasises knowledge that may not be coming through elsewhere.

5. Link your CV to your portfolio

If you’re in the type of role that enables you to build a portfolio of work, such as writing, design or game development, for example, it can be useful to add a hyperlink to your portfolio in the contact details section.

6. Link your CV to your LinkedIn profile

Similarly, if you have a complete and up-to-date LinkedIn profile, include a link to that as well. Recruiters will often check out your online presence, so direct them to somewhere curated and professional.

7. Don't forget to include voluntary work

It’s not just paid work that counts! It’s usually worthwhile to include unpaid experience on a CV. At the start of your career, voluntary work can convey that you’re employable, have experience in a work environment and possess the basic skills needed to step onto the career ladder. As your career becomes more established, it shows that you have a life beyond the office, are willing to give back to the community and potentially have diverse and higher-level skills that would enable you to progress professionally.

8. Does your availability or location sell you?

If you’re available immediately, say so! It may give your application the edge over an equally suitable candidate. Similarly, if you’re willing to relocate, state that, to avoid potential employers being put off by your location on the other side of the country.

9. Add industry affiliations

Membership of chartered bodies or institutions should always be included, as they lend credibility to your CV. Don’t forget to add the letters after your name at the top of your CV and spell out the acronyms later on.

10. Security clearances can be a bonus

Lots of roles require security clearances at some level. It’s worth mentioning if you have any government or military clearances – or even just a DBS check – if you’re applying for roles where this may be a consideration.

11. Explain career breaks on your CV

Rather than just glossing over gaps in your CV and hoping that no-one will notice, call them out positively. Explain what you did with the time – raising a family, travelling and recovering from illness are all perfectly valid reasons to take a break and there are plenty more. It only needs a line or two to set the reader’s mind at rest. If the reason for the gap is because you were fired, in prison or otherwise unemployed, then just focus on what you learnt or achieved during that time without dwelling on the negatives.

Need more help?

Want to make sure your CV covers the important information and complies with current best practice? Why not let Word Dragon write your CV for you ? An accredited CV writer with over 15 years' experience, working with Word Dragon is the easiest way to get job-hunt ready.

Should I include references on my CV?

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 14:29:41 GMT

Asking for references is a standard part of the recruitment process. It enables recruiters to verify your performance, abilities and character with past employers and confirm that your CV presents an accurate and truthful account of your career. But what is current best practice for putting references on your CV?

What is a reference?

A reference is essentially an account of your employability, from someone who has worked with you in the past. Potential employers will contact this person (your referee) to confirm that you are who you say you are, have done what you've said you've done and are capable of fulfilling the requirements of the role they want to fill. The request may be as simple as a tick-box questionnaire, as vague as a request for a reference or anything in between. It could even be a phone call. At some stage of the recruitment process, you can expect your potential employer to ask for the contact details of your referees.

Who should I ask for a reference?

When you're job hunting, it’s important to have two or three people in mind who could write a reference for you. Once you’re established in your career, your referees are normally past employers – often your line manager. It's important to select people who will speak highly of you and your ability to do the job. Try to ensure that your references are written by someone who actually worked with you and knows you personally, rather than a faceless individual in the HR department. Someone who knows you will be able to provide a warmer, more detailed and more accurate account.

If you’re younger , teachers, tutors, neighbours and family friends may be able to provide character references to help you to get your career started. Employers understand that you may not have professional references early in your career and will accept other referees instead - just not from close family!

Should I include references on my CV?

Whilst in the past a good CV would be expected to contain the names and contact details of your referees, it is no longer expected. In fact, it could do more harm than good!

With many CVs these days being uploaded to job sites, LinkedIn and other online portals, you need to consider the security of the data you’re sharing. It’s unlikely that your referees will appreciate their personal details being uploaded freely to random sites.

Technology is also an important consideration. With many CVs now being scanned by Applicant Tracking Systems , layout is very important. If the contact details of your referee are interpreted as your own, that could lead to some very interesting (and potentially embarrassing) conversations!

Consider also the potential for reference fatigue. If you share your references on your CV at this early stage of recruitment, hiring managers will have the opportunity to contact them up front - even if you’re not ultimately offered the job. When your referees have written a few references for you, the novelty will wear off. Ideally, the first reference that they provide will be a glowing endorsement that they've taken a lot of time and care over. If they’re asked repeatedly, they’re unlikely to put in the same effort and are less likely to tailor their comments to the specific role.

So, all things considered, it’s not advisable to put details of your references on your CV.

Should I put “References available on request” on my CV?

An alternative to including referees on your CV is to include the common line “References available on request”. It’s harmless enough, but not strictly necessary and really quite pointless. If an employer wants references, they’ll certainly ask for them! It’s unlikely they’ll say “oh, there’s no mention of references on this CV, we won’t bother then”. You could use this space to give the recruiter yet another reason to invite you to interview, instead.

That said, there’s no harm in including it. It can finish off the CV neatly and it certainly won’t cause you to miss out on a job. It's just not the best use of space.

Can I quote references on my CV?

If you’ve already received a reference from someone, or have had particularly good feedback from a performance appraisal or a LinkedIn recommendation, it’s tempting to include it on your CV to prove that you have that endorsement. However, large blocks of text and feedback taken out of context usually add very little value. Your CV bragging is best limited to quantifiable achievements , with, at most, a line or two of feedback from a past or current employer.

What can I do instead?

If you have feedback you're keen to share, why not include it on your LinkedIn profile, under the Summary or Experience fields? Alternatively, you can ask colleagues and managers for endorsements and recommendations on your profile. This option enables you to show off a whole host of feedback, straight from the horse's mouth, from as many contacts as you can muster. It's a great way for past colleagues and others in your network to support your career, so it's always worth an ask. If you don't feel comfortable asking, sometimes writing your own recommendation for someone else will result in a reciprocal favour. Don't forget to include a link to your profile on your CV!

Another option would be to take your reference details to the interview with you, neatly formatted and printed. This avoids the problems associated with including references on your CV, without holding back on sharing this important information.

I still want to include references on my CV!

If you're not convinced by these reasons not to include references on your CV, or if they are specifically requested during the initial stages of recruitment, you can add them as an appendix. In that case, start a new page headed References, and state your referee's name, job title, employer name, phone number and email address. It would be polite to ask permission first, or at least warn your referees that you've done this!

An example of a CV reference page

References

Fred Smith, Account Director, Rick & Son Ltd

fsmith@rickandson.com

020 7890 1234

Esra Guven, Sales Manager, Earthland Plc

eguven@earth.co.uk

07890 111111

When should I give details of my referees?

Ideally, you should hold off sharing referee details until you've received a verbal job offer. Waiting until this stage will save your referees from being bothered unnecessarily and also gives you control over who you share their contact details with. Importantly, it also ensures that you can focus on selling yourself on your CV. Your skills, experience and qualifications are far more important than someone else's contact information.

In the earlier stages of the recruitment process, you should be more focused on identifying suitable referees and confirming that they’d be willing to provide a reference if required. If you share the job advert or role details with them, they’ll even be able to tailor their responses to prove that you really are the right person for the position.

If references are requested before you have a job offer in hand, it's perfectly acceptable to say that you'd like to hold off sharing their contact details until you receive a firm offer. Not everyone wants to broadcast their job search to their current employer and recruiters will understand this.

Further CV help

If you have any questions about any other aspect of CV writing, there's plenty more advice on the blog . Alternatively, Word Dragon would be happy to help. Why not kick back and let me take the strain? The CV writing service will have you on the road to a new job before you've finished your box set.

Career planning Year 11 and Year 13

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Sun, 14 Feb 2021 17:06:13 GMT

Introducing... CV Shed's first ever video!

It’s never too early to start career planning, so here are Word Dragon's top tips for getting ahead of the game.

Look at your career options

You’ve probably already thought about what jobs you’d like to do after college or university, but the choices can be overwhelming. It’s very common to leave education not knowing what direction you want your career to take; it’s really nothing to panic about, but understanding your strengths, skills and preferences will help you to make decisions that support your future. There are plenty of websites providing career advice and no end of information about various types of jobs. A bit of research at this stage is time well invested, as it will give direction to your choices.

Start to build your CV

You may be thinking “I have nothing to put on a CV ! My exam results aren’t in yet and I have no work experience!”. That’s not a problem. CVs are flexible and can still show off your employability, even if you haven’t finished your education.

In the Qualifications section of your CV, list all the qualifications you’re expecting to take, and the level, alongside a note saying “awaiting results” or “in progress”.

The Work Experience section may be a bit trickier, but you should still aim to put something here. If you did work experience through school, you can include that. But what about other experience? It’s not just full-time, paid jobs that are worth including on your CV. Maybe you’ve done some babysitting? Set up a weekend car wash? Built a website for a relative? Looked after a neighbour’s cat? Have a good think about what you’ve done outside of school that will show a potential employer that you have valuable skills. This section doesn’t need to be long, it just needs to show that you’re willing to work.

As a school leaver, your Interests section will probably have more detail than usual. That’s OK! What you do in your spare time can give an employer a good idea of how you’ll fit in to their team. A lot of people include sports here – teamwork or team leadership are excellent skills to show off. If you’ve done the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, be sure to mention that too. What else have you done? Try to stick to hobbies that give you the opportunity to highlight skills that employers are looking for – scrolling through social media, watching films and gaming might be fun, but they’re hardly original and don’t really position you as being very dynamic.

Join clubs

If you haven’t already, look into joining some clubs relevant to your career planning. For example, if you want to work in the conservation sector, see what environmental or animal clubs are in your local area and get involved. Relevant clubs will help you to develop more industry-specific knowledge that will enhance your CV and impress recruiters.

Volunteer

Instead of joining clubs (or even as well as!) you could look into volunteering . This always looks great on a job application, whether it’s related to the career you're planning or not. You’ll not only get some excellent experience to put on your CV, but you’ll also start to build your network and get a taste of whether you’d like a career in that sector. When you’re ready to apply for jobs, you’ll be able to ask the organisation to provide you with a reference, too.

Network

Networking isn’t just for professionals! You’ve already got a network, even if you don’t realise it. Your friends, parents, cousins, family friends, teachers, club organisers, work experience managers and neighbours are all part of your network. If you’re ready to take on a voluntary, part-time or even full-time job, the best thing you can do for your employment prospects is to make sure that people know it! If you already know what sort of job you’re looking for, try to identify someone in your network who either works, or has contacts that work, in that area. Ask for introductions, entry-level opportunities, work shadowing, weekend jobs, anything that you think will help to get your foot in the door. The personal touch almost always wins out against a faceless application and your network will be able to provide support with career planning, as well.

Practice your interview skills

Ask your parents, family friends or teachers to hold a practice job interview with you. This will not only give you some insight into the type of questions you may be asked, but more crucially the feedback you receive will enable you to see exactly what you’re doing well, give ideas to cover what you missed and provide insight into what you should definitely NOT repeat in a real interview!

Audit your social media

Ideally, check through posts on all your social media accounts to ensure they’re employer friendly. If you can’t face the chore, at least update your privacy settings so that potential employers can’t see your posts in the first place. This is a vital step in your career planning, whatever stage of your career you're at.

Leverage your unique situation

If you’re feeling pretty negative and deflated after an education that included plenty of home learning, try to look at it from an employer’s perspective. You’ve survived the most challenging time in recent history and there are plenty of positives to be gleaned from that. Think about what went well this year. Did you work independently and stay on top of your school or college work? Help your siblings with their studies? Learn to use new technology? Teach the adults in your life to use new technology? Get great predicted grades even without face-to-face learning? Take up a new hobby? Participate in online events? You’ve probably learnt new, CV-worthy skills without even realising! Employers love to hear how you’ve overcome challenges, so make sure you communicate what you’ve achieved.

Don’t worry about career planning!

Whether you’re looking at A-levels, university, an apprenticeship, a weekend job or the first rung on the career ladder, things probably seem a bit uncertain at the moment. By focusing on how far you’ve come and what you’ve already achieved, you’ll gain the confidence to identify your next steps and position yourself for career success.

For more CV and career advice, have a read of my blog or my eBook . Before you submit your CV for a job, why not get some expert input with the Word Dragon CV evaluation ? Good luck for the future!

Age discrimination during the job search

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 12:04:50 GMT

Your age doesn't need to be a barrier to securing work - just make some simple changes to your CV.

On one hand, age discrimination at any stage of the recruitment process is illegal. On the other hand, older applicants may find the process harder to navigate - if not due to direct discrimination then maybe because their application doesn’t align with current requirements and show them off to their best advantage. An applicant who hasn’t hit the job market for many years may struggle to make an impact on UK recruiters for various reasons. Fear not! Word Dragon has some handy CV hints and tips to help you on your way to a rewarding retirement job.

1. Focus on the last 10 years to avoid age discrimination

Whatever your age, it’s what you’ve done recently that counts. Skills go out of date, you forget things, processes evolve… no-one needs to know the minute details of a role you did 20 or 30 years ago. As a general rule, your CV should focus on what you’ve been doing for the last 10 years. Anything prior to that can be summarised in a line or two, or even eliminated altogether. If you've had a career break in the last 10 years, a short explanation is all that's needed.

2. Remove outdated information

A CV doesn’t need to include every single detail of your life and there is no need, and no legal requirement, to include absolutely everything. Your CV is your personal sales document, so if something doesn’t sell you, there’s no need for it to be on your CV. If you’re 60 years old and your CV still proudly states that you were Captain of the school netball team… you’re oversharing. Consider the poor recruiter, who has piles of CVs to wade through, and just tell them what they need to know to offer you that job.

3. Show that you’re up to date

Eliminate the most obvious age concern by showing that you’re up to date with the latest developments in your industry. If you’re in marketing, for example, show that you’re as confident with digital, social media and influencer marketing as you are with traditional print marketing. If you’re in IT, list current technologies that you’re familiar with and don’t mention those that are now obsolete. The focus should be on the skills you have that will transfer into a new role and enable you to contribute to a business, not those that will have minimal impact in your target role.

4. Review old qualifications

An age giveaway on a CV is often in the qualifications . If you have a degree, by all means include it. But CSEs and O-levels shouldn’t be there. They were phased out around 1986 - that’s 40 years ago! Your career trumps these qualifications – play on your professional experience, rather than something that ages you and which has very little relevance to the job you’re aiming for.

5. Avoid age discrimination by reviewing dates

Dates are the obvious basic giveaway if you’re trying to avoid age discrimination. There’s absolutely no need for anyone to include their date of birth on a CV. You may also want to remove the dates that you achieved your qualifications. Jobs that you had back in the 70s, 80s, or 90s can be eliminated completely, or at the most included as a sentence that avoids any mention of dates. However, dates since the millennium should definitely be included – they’re expected and will be unlikely to negatively influence a hiring manager.

6. Choose a modern layout

A modern layout will attract attention and position you as a professional. That’s not to say you should create an over-designed document full of graphics – quite the opposite! Create a format that appeals and reflects your professional personality, whilst remaining within these guidelines . When you're trying to avoid age discrimination, nothing screams o ut of touch louder than a CV written in Times New Roman.

Top tip: Why not try this free CV template to make sure you're using a modern layout?

7. Show your value

The best way for anyone, of any age, to make a positive impression with their CV is to demonstrate clearly the impact they can have on a business. Including quantifiable achievements for each role will show the hiring manager how you have contributed and that you understand the impact your role can have on the wider business.

8. Write from the point of view of your reader

This is the number one CV-writing rule. The document you’re producing isn’t about you – it’s about how you can meet the company’s needs. Even if something is terribly important to you, it may not be so to your reader. Focus, tailor and keep every word relevant to the retirement job you're aiming for.

Use your new CV to get that job!

If you find yourself looking for a new job later in life, I do hope that this advice has been useful. Just because age discrimination is illegal doesn't mean it doesn't happen, but there are steps you can take to mitigate it on your CV .

If you want to make sure your CV meets current best practice standards, why not work with Word Dragon to get a perfectly written CV ? There are services for every budget and I'm looking forward to supporting your next steps!

How to explain a career break on your CV

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 10:39:53 GMT

Since the pandemic hit, UK recruiters and employers seem less likely to look at a career break on your CV unfavourably. They know that sometimes life happens, and a gap in an otherwise strong employment record doesn’t have the same negative connotations that it once did.

However, in order to maximise your chances of getting noticed in a competitive jobs market, it’s important to frame the issue positively. Word Dragon has some top tips about how to cover a career break on your CV.

1. Explain why the career break on your CV exists

Don’t leave an employer guessing! If there’s a career break on your CV, they’ll want to know why. Whether it’s Covid-related or something else entirely, a brief line explaining the reason for the gap will put their mind at ease.

People take time out for all sorts of reasons. The vast majority of these are perfectly valid reasons - raising a family , travelling, studying and so on - but the recruiter won’t know unless you tell them. If you omit an explanation, you’re leaving them free to make negative assumptions.

2. Explain how you’ve used the time away from work

What have you done in your time away? If it’s anything at all, then use that as an additional example of your skills and proactivity. Volunteering in the community always looks good, but there are many other ways of covering the career break on your CV.

However you've filled the time, framing a career break is all about finding the positives and highlighting your productivity. Maybe you've undertaken work-related courses , done some fundraising, travelled extensively, joined a sports team - whatever you've done, however small, consider including it on your CV.

You don’t need to dedicate a lot of space to this explanation, a line or two is plenty, you just need to convey that you’ve done more than sit around watching Homes Under the Hammer in your pants.

3. Include training courses

There are plenty of online and in-person courses available, whatever your employment status. Now is a good time to sign up for one and make sure that any professional development that you do is added to your CV. As well as showing your knowledge, it shows how you’ve been proactive and dedicated in taking steps towards future employment.

4. Use dates wisely

Think about how you’re presenting employment dates on your CV. If you were made redundant or have taken maternity leave, make sure you use your official termination date rather than the date you left, as it’s likely to be later.

You can also eliminate the months from your employment dates and only include the year, which covers short-term breaks without drawing attention to them.

5. Create a skills-based CV

If time drags on and the gap is getting longer, it’s time for drastic action. A skills-based format isn’t generally recommended, but can work well to minimise a career break on your CV. If you get to the stage where the gap is rather long and there’s still no job on the horizon, prepare a CV focused on transferable skills, with your employment dates buried at the end. This could work particularly well if you’re looking for a career change at the same time.

Don’t blame your employer

It shouldn’t need saying but, however your previous employer treated you, your CV is not the place to air grievances. Keep it positive – both in terms of how you present yourself and how you present them.

Remember that a career break on your CV can be a positive

A career break on your CV needn't be a career killer. Recruiters understand that gaps are a normal part of life these days, so with the right approach you'll be in the interview hotseat in no time.

If you feel like you still need further help with your CV, why not work with a professional CV writer ? Word Dragon will make sure you're putting your best foot forward before you apply for that dream job.

A month in the life of Word Dragon - December 2020

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 15:56:57 GMT

As we come to the end of the year, I thought I’d share a bit more about what I do here at Word Dragon and give you a peek behind the scenes. I’ve been lucky enough to work on a variety of projects over the last month, which have kept me busy at a traditionally quiet time of year. This is what I’ve been up to recently:

CVs for private clients

I’ve had several private clients this month, who find me through my blogs , internet searches, LinkedIn and personal recommendations. This aspect of my work can be really diverse and customers this month include a British Diplomat, a Police Inspector, an IT Manager and an Account Director. These CVs are really the core of what I do; I love to help people to understand their value and support them in taking the next steps on their career path.

Freelance CV writing

To fill the gaps between private clients, I write on a freelance basis for a global CV company. I can take as much or as little work as I want, which gives me the flexibility to prioritise private clients in between freelance orders. I tend to focus on entry-level, retail, administration, manufacturing and logistics roles for this client.

Staff profiles

The majority of this month has been spent fulfilling a contract for a construction company, who hired me to write profiles of their key staff. These will be used to introduce the team to the client when they bid for new work, so although the content is similar to that on a CV, the target audience is very different. This project has been really enjoyable and I was able to create some strong profiles for staff that engaged with the process and really thought about their answers to my questions.

Proofreading

I really enjoyed the couple of proofreading jobs that came my way this month. I was asked to check the copy for two websites owned by a financial planning group, which, although not my usual subject matter, was interesting for me and a good chance to step back into something I used to do on a daily basis before I moved into CV writing.

Blogging

As well as running my own blog here at Word Dragon, I also write paid posts for other companies. Most of my commissions these days come from a company in New York, who need me to write from a British perspective for their UK business. I love the writing process, and, as an additional bonus, it can lead to more private work as blog readers seek me out to work on their CVs .

Hanging out in a virtual office

I’m lucky enough to be part of an online office for freelance CV writers. Although we’ve never met in person, everyone is super supportive and there’s always someone in there to provide advice / a listening ear / office banter at any time of the day. It means that, although we’re all working independently in our own little corner of the UK (and beyond!), we can still discuss best practice and bounce ideas around.

Managing job offers

I was approached on LinkedIn by a UK-based CV writing company, who asked me to join their team. I politely declined, but this goes to show the value of a complete and up-to-date LinkedIn – you can be headhunted to new roles without even trying, if your profile is up to scratch! I was also offered a short-term freelance role with a publishing company – I’d have loved to have taken it, but unfortunately the volume of work I’d already committed to meant that I wasn’t free when they needed me. Fingers crossed they’ll ask again next year!

As you can see, the last few weeks have been pretty full-on. I’m winding down for Christmas now and recharging ready for next year, so please do get in touch if you have any projects I can help with in 2021!

How to write a CV profile (with examples)

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 14:06:24 GMT

Every CV needs to start with a strong CV profile introducing the candidate to the reader. It’s often considered the hardest part of writing a CV, that all-important first impression needs to summarise the candidate's key selling points in just a few lines. You have your entire career to think about, but need to write the profile in a concise, high-impact way, that encourages the recruiter to read on, find out more about you, and – hopefully – progress your CV to the next stage of recruitment.

I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly during my years as a professional CV writer, so I’m sharing my top Dos and Don'ts to help you start on the right foot. At the end, you'll find some real-life CV profile examples that you can use as inspiration.

DO

DO state what you do: If you’re planning on continuing along your current career path, the easiest way to do this is by giving your job title

DO explain the level you’re working at: For example, team leader or Board executive

DO include your industry or sector: Show that you have the background they need and will hit the ground running

DO explain what you specialise in: A focused CV is generally more successful than a generic one

DO give an example of your main achievements and successes: This is an easy way to show that you’ll add value to their business

DO identify your USP, or Unique Selling Point: What can you offer that other candidates can’t?

DO align the profile with the person requirements specified in the job advert: This enables the recruiter to see how you can tick their boxes

DO use industry- and role-specific keywords – but avoid jargon: This will help your CV to be found easily if an employer is searching their database of CVs

DO hint at your career aspirations

You don’t need to include ALL of these suggestions in your CV profile – just choose the ones most relevant to you, your career and your target role.

DON’T

Don't make these common mistakes when crafting your CV profile:

DON’T use generic phrases and cliches: This includes saying that you’re enthusiastic, punctual, hardworking, and work well in a team and independently, and so on

DON’T summarise your entire career: That’s what the Professional Experience section of the CV is for and you’re wasting everyone’s time by repeating it, not to mention giving prime position to historic and irrelevant detail

DON’T say what you want from your next role or employer: Show instead what you can offer them

DON’T write more than around 5 lines: A wall of text is off-putting and hard to read on a screen, so make it easy for the recruiter by summarising key points rather than detailing your entire life story

DON’T write using first person pronouns: Traditionally, CVs are written without pronouns – it’s a style that takes a little getting used to but it sounds so much more professional and avoids constant repetition of “I”, “me” and “my”

DON’T emphasise your early career over your recent career: Is your military experience really that relevant if you left the army 20 years ago?

DON’T omit the profile section completely: It may be hard to write, but it’s your introduction to the recruiter and your opportunity to impress at first glance

CV profile examples

Take a look at these CV profile examples for inspiration:

CV profile example for an Engineer

An accomplished Electronic Engineer specialising in autonomous mobile robots and embedded systems. Confident developing software and algorithms that drive innovation, increase efficiency and solve challenges. Collaborates effectively with multidisciplinary colleagues and negotiates successfully with clients to agree solutions. Committed to delivering systems in line with regulations.

CV profile example for a senior manager

An award-winning General Manager, with an extensive background in implementing best practice in the public transport sector. Recognised as an approachable and effective leader, who can engage staff and foster constructive, collaborative relationships at all levels. Able to plan and prioritise resources, manage performance, minimise operational costs and take difficult decisions to enable businesses to achieve their operational, strategic and financial targets. Combines sound financial acumen with a proven track record of excellent industrial relations and trade union negotiations.

CV profile example for a senior executive

A commercially and financially astute Aviation Safety Expert, with a strong background in maintaining compliance and governance standards. Possesses both operational and strategic expertise at a senior executive level. Confident controlling multi-million-pound budgets and prioritising conflicting demands to consistently achieve statutory deadlines and financial targets. Sets high expectations of staff and can negotiate and challenge at all levels.

CV profile example for a career change

A creative and organised professional, with a lifelong interest in global development issues, sustainability and the environment. Recognised as a respected and democratic leader, who supports and nurtures colleagues and appreciates the contributions of others. Builds positive relationships whilst retaining the ability to hold difficult conversations and challenge where needed. Quick to learn and keen to progress. Looking forward to transitioning from teaching into a global development role that values integrity, ethics and a growth mindset.

Top tip: For help with other parts of your CV, take a look at the Ultimate CV Writing Guide for UK Professionals or download a free template .

Further help with your CV profile

Think of the profile as your elevator pitch – you have just a few sentences to impress a UK recruiter, so spend time crafting a CV profile that positions you as a must-have candidate. Want to make sure your CV profile is having the right impact before you start applying for jobs? Get Word Dragon to work with you on crafting the perfect CV.

How to write a CV: The ultimate guide for UK professionals in 2026

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 09:52:15 GMT

A good CV requires strong wording, an easily readable layout, and clear headings. It's more than a dry list of facts; it's your personal sales pitch and needs to show exactly how you can contribute to a business.

This guide explains how to write a CV for professionals in the UK, with expertise drawn from over 15 years’ experience as a CV writer and up-to-date insight into current hiring practices and the UK job market.

What is a CV?

CV is short for Curriculum Vitae, which in turn is Latin for “course of life”. A CV is simply a summary of your work experience, key skills and qualifications, that is used during a job hunt to provide information to recruiters.

Recruiters often ask for CVs when they have a role to fill. They’ll then evaluate the CVs they receive to decide which applicants best meet their requirements. The strongest applicants will progress to interview stage, where their suitability for the role can be assessed further. A good CV explains to a recruiter why they should hire you and persuades them to invite you to an interview, so it needs to show explicitly why you’re the right person for the job.

Expert insight: The best CVs not only land you interviews, they also boost your confidence!

What are the features of a good CV?

While every CV is different, the best ones have some key qualities that make them stand out:

Key sections: To ensure you have the necessary information in a logical structure
Clear layout: To guide the recruiter to the information they want to see
Focused wording : To enable the recruiter to see you meet their requirements
Alignment with the job advert: To position you as the perfect match for the role
Specific achievements: To prove you can add value to a business

How to structure a CV in the UK

If you're writing a CV for the UK market, you'll need the following section headings :

Name and contact details
Professional profile
Key skills
Professional Experience
Qualifications
Further details

Start your CV by putting each of these sections on the page as a heading. We’ll look into what to put in each section below.

What to include in a UK CV

Your CV should include all the information a recruiter needs to decide whether to invite you to an interview... and nothing else. If you find yourself adding detail that isn’t directly relevant to your target role, remove it – there’s no space for waffle and fluff on a CV. Everything you include should be focused on your next steps.

Name and contact details

Include your phone number and email address alongside or below your name. Ideally you'll include your location, too. A full address is no longer necessary - who sends letters these days?! You may also like to consider a link to your LinkedIn profile or your online portfolio, if you have one. This section must be positioned right at the top – it’s where recruiters expect to find it, and your job is to make their job easy.

Example:

Joe Bloggs * London, SW19 * 07777 123456 * joe@bloggs.co.uk * LinkedIn

Find out more about contact details on your CV .

Professional profile

The CV profile is equivalent to your elevator pitch. Write four to five lines summarising who you are, what you do and how you add value to a business. Consider including your job title, industry, seniority, unique selling point, key successes, drivers and so on. Your aim with this section is to make a great first impression and convince the recruiter to read the rest of the CV.

Example:

A commercially astute Change Manager, with expertise in strategy delivery and culture change across the EMEA region. Able to develop and implement plans aligned with global strategies and identify regional priorities. Manages budgets of up to £10million and multidisciplinary teams across 5 countries. Confident coaching and mentoring senior business leaders and recognised as an empowering manager.

Find out more about your CV profile .

Key skills

The aim here is to differentiate you from the other applicants by providing an at-a-glance summary showing that you have the skills needed to excel in the vacant position. Use keywords based on hard skills and align them with the requirements of the job advert.

Aim for between six and twelve skills and ensure you provide evidence of each skill in the Professional Experience section. Try to avoid soft skills here – anyone can claim to be able to communicate or work as part of a team. Think instead about terms that a recruiter might use when they’re searching their CV database. No-one ever searched for “enthusiastic” – they’re much more likely to search for words related to the specific role they’re trying to fill.

Example:

Legal Research * Legal Administration * Client Confidentiality * Relationship Management

Process Improvement * Programme Coordination * Document Proofing * Briefing

Find out more about skills for your CV .

Professional Experience

Present your professional experience in reverse-chronological order. Include your job title, employer name, dates of employment, key remit and a summary of your achievements for each role. Respect the recruiter’s time by being concise and to the point.

Having seen thousands of CVs here at Word Dragon, I recommend writing three or four lines about the remit of the role, followed by a bulleted list of five or six achievements. This format works as it forces concise writing, focuses on the most important points, and draws attention to how you’ve added value to a business.

Don’t be tempted to skip the achievements, even if you think there’s nothing to write. Everyone has achieved something! The best achievements are quantifiable, such as “Won 10 new clients by understanding their pain points and recommending solutions”, but even unquantifiable achievements like “Improved team morale by organising celebrations and team days” are better than no achievements at all.

Example:

Spearheading employee relations across multiple disciplines, encompassing grievances, disciplinaries, redundancies and annual salary reviews, as well as providing generalist HR advice. Advising managers on performance issues and coaching them through workforce reductions. Developing HR policies and ensuring consistent implementation.

Key achievements

Saved £140,000 in agency fees by leading a recruitment campaign for Engineers in India
Reduced errors by 75% by introducing process checklists for key HR processes
Recruited 30 new UK staff in just one month
Coached 2 staff into more senior roles
Deputised for the Head of Department during an extended absence

Find out more about achievements for your CV .

Qualifications

This section should be presented in reverse chronological order just like your experience. List the level of your qualification, the subject and the year. University-level qualifications should include the name of the university, as well. Recent graduates might also like to include key modules and the titles of projects, theses or dissertations. Those with a more extensive work history only need to include their highest-level qualification, but may have training courses and certificates to include as well.

Qualifications and training can be separated into two different sections or combined into one, depending on the relevance and number of each and the space available on the CV. Decide which will work best for you personally.

Example:

BA (Hons) degree: English and American Literature, University of East Anglia, 2000

Certificate: Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt

Find out more about putting qualifications on your CV .

Further details

This section can be used for any information that doesn’t directly link to any of the sections above – consider languages, IT proficiency, security clearance, availability and anything else that may set you apart from other candidates.

This section should not contain information critical to the role you’re applying for – think of it as the icing on the cake, rather than the cake itself.

Example:

Interests: Investing in shares and funds, keeping fit at the gym and playing drums

Languages: Fluent English and Turkish

Get more ideas for your CV .

Choosing the wording for your CV

The right words can transform a good CV into a great CV. To maintain a recruiter's interest, choose your words carefully and write with your reader in mind.

Reflect the advert

Analyse some adverts for roles you’re interested in and note any words that keep popping up. Those are the ones you need to include – for example, if the advert is looking for someone with experience in managing budgets, make sure your CV states that you can manage budgets. Recruiters aren’t mind readers - if it’s not on your CV they won’t give you the benefit of the doubt when they have a huge pile of CVs to look at.

Use dynamic vocabulary

Choose your wording carefully to make your CV sound more interesting and credible. For example, instead of saying you were “responsible for customer service”, say you “delivered great customer service”. Instead of saying you “helped with sales”, say you “maximised sales”, or “drove sales” or “achieved sales targets”.

Avoid repetition

Repetition makes for a pretty boring CV. It wastes your time writing it and a recruiter’s time reading it. Don’t just say you were “managing this, managing that and managing the other”. Choose more interesting ways of sharing your responsibilities - for example “led this, directed that and oversaw the other”.

Write without pronouns

It may seem a bit unnatural, but CVs are conventionally written without pronouns. That means removing the “I”, “my” and “me” wording. Rather than saying “I sell cars”, just write “selling cars”.

Writing a CV: top tips

Stay truthful and honest
Avoid jargon and acronyms
Focus on how you add value to a business
Show how you meet the requirements of the role

Expert tip: Show your CV to someone who doesn’t know what your job involves – if they can’t explain what you do after reading it, it’s time for a rethink!

UK-specific CV guidance

UK CVs are not the same as CVs in other countries, although their purpose is the same. The key differences are:

UK CVs do not include photos or personal details such as age, nationality, marital status or passport number
UK CVs tend to be a maximum of two pages long (more on this below!)
UK CVs are tailored to specific roles (or at least a specific type of role)

And of course, we use British English, not American English. Make sure you set your spell-check to the right language to avoid errors creeping in.

CV formatting best practice

Every recruiter will have their own idea about what constitutes the ideal layout for a good CV. What one loves another may hate, so there's no one-size-fits-all and you can put your own stamp on it.

Most open vacancies these days attract tens, if not hundreds, of applications, meaning that recruiters only spend a few seconds on the initial scan of each CV. Therefore, they need to be able to pick out the information they’re looking for quickly. Your format should prioritise readability and scan-ability, as you only have moments to grab attention.

Keep critical information in the top half of the first page

That’s what the recruiter sees first and that’s what will make that all-important first impression. If it’s not recent or impressive, it doesn’t need to be taking up prime real estate. Newspapers always put their headline news "above the fold" - the same principle applies to your CV. Major achievements, your current job and your unique selling point should all be in the top half of the first page. Something you did 20 years ago should not.

Prioritise information

If your education is more recent or impressive than your career, put that section above the Professional Experience section. If your technical skills are more important in your target role than your current job, put those first. If something is outdated or irrelevant, leave it off altogether.

Keep it simple

A CV that’s easy to read makes life easier for the recruiter. Structure the CV clearly and don’t cram information in – a solid wall of text is very off-putting. Bullet points and short paragraphs are the preferred layout choice, as they're easy to skim and encourage brevity. HR systems also parse CVs better when there are no graphics, text boxes, logos or photos.

How long should a UK CV be?

As a rule, a CV in the UK is two pages long… but the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Generally, one to three pages is what you should aim for, but a lot depends on how your career has progressed so far.

Entry level

One page is generally enough for your first step on the career ladder. You only need to outline your education and skills, although if you have any experience from weekend jobs, pocket-money work or volunteering, you'll be able to fit that on too.

Mid career

Two pages is often hailed as the perfect CV length and when you're established in your career it's probably what you should be aiming for. However, don't drag out to two pages what could easily fit on one, just for the sake of having a CV the "right" length. The content of a CV, and therefore how long your CV is, depends on your personal experience.

Executive

If you can fit your CV on two pages, do - it's still the ideal to aim for. If it feels like two pages is selling you short, by all means extend it to three - but make sure every word counts.

Exceptions to this rule are doctors and academics, who can use several more pages to accommodate their research, publications and teaching.

How far back should a CV go?

Ten years is the ideal span of a CV . The Professional Experience section should cover every role you’ve held in the last decade or so. Earlier roles can simply be summarised with the job title, employer name and dates, so that recruiters can see your career progression. Any roles held before the millennium can be removed, if they add no value.

Expert tip: If you’re worried about age discrimination, you can remove the dates in the early career summary.

ATS – separating fact from fiction

Unscrupulous CV writers trying to sell their service have given ATS an unfair reputation. If you’re not sure what an ATS is, it’s an Applicant Tracking System – a system used by recruiters to manage vacancies and applications. You can find out more about ATS in this post , but the TL:DR is that a well-written CV, in a sensible format, will not cause you any problems.

Common mistakes when writing a UK CV

With over 15 years’ experience reviewing and writing CVs, Word Dragon sees the same mistakes crop up all the time. If you want to make the right first impression on recruiters and hiring managers, make sure you’re not making these top five CV mistakes .

1. Not including achievements

2. Not adding metrics

3. Not tailoring the CV to the target role

4. Using clichés

5. Not explaining career breaks

Common CV problems

Not every career fits into a nicely defined box, so what should you do if standard CV advice doesn’t apply to you? Let’s take a look at some common issues.

Age discrimination

To avoid age discrimination in the initial stages of the job search, minimise age indicators on your CV. For example:

Remove dates over 20 years ago
Remove CSEs and O-levels
Don’t specify how much experience you have (for example, say 20+ years, rather than 42 years)
Include modern technology and tools you’re confident using

Too many jobs to fit on the CV

Job-hopping, short-term contracts and temporary roles can be a challenge when you’re trying to summarise your entire career. Use these techniques to minimise the impact:

Only go into detail for the last 10 years (or 5, if you’ve held a lot of jobs)
Remove detail and only give a top-level overview
Eliminate roles that don’t add value, if you can do so without leaving a gap
Merge similar short-term roles under one heading
Summarise less relevant jobs in a line or two

Career gaps

Career gaps are a perfectly normal part of life – it’s how you frame them on the CV that matters. Don’t gloss over them and hope no-one notices. Use the header Career Break and the relevant dates, followed by a very brief explanation. For example:

Sabbatical to travel across Asia
Raising a family and completing DIY projects
Studying towards a qualification in Data Engineering

Aiming for a career change

Career changes can require a completely different approach to your CV, as much of your previous experience won’t be relevant. In that case, try:

Adopting a skills-based approach, giving examples of when you’ve used the key skills needed in your target role
Minimise detail relating to previous roles
Move the Qualifications section higher up the CV if you have undertaken relevant study
Add a cover letter to convey your intentions and aspirations

Example of a CV for a UK professional

Let’s put the theory into practice. Take a look at this example CV – but remember that yours should be personal to you and there’s no single correct way of writing a CV.

UK CV FAQs

Fancy a quick-fire round? These are the most common questions about writing a CV.

How long should my CV be?

Probably two pages, but one or three can work too - find out more about CV length here !

How far back should my CV go?

About 10 years, give or take - find out more about how far back to go here !

What skills should I put on my CV?

A mix of hard and soft skills is needed – find out more about CV skills here !

What are the best keywords for my CV?

It depends what job you're targeting - find out more about CV keywords here !

How do I tailor my CV to a job?

Clearly show in every section how you meet the requirements of the role - find out more about CV tailoring here !

Can I use colours on my CV?

Why not? Your CV needs visual appeal but remember it’s not an art project – find out more about presentation here !

Can I lie on my CV?

Absolutely not. The good news is that you don’t need to – you’ll sound great anyway if you follow the advice from Word Dragon!

UK CV template download

It can be tricky to know where to start when it comes to writing a CV. Why not make the process a bit easier by downloading this free template, designed especially for UK professionals by a certified CV writer?

TL:DR – A golden rule for writing a professional CV

Every part of the CV needs to SELL you. If the words don't sell you, re-write them. If the layout doesn't sell you, rework it. Your ultimate aim is to shine a spotlight on your experience, skills and qualifications, leaving the reader in no doubt that you're the right person to fill their vacancy.

Expert CV help

If this all seems like a lot of bother, why not get Word Dragon on side? With services ranging from an evaluation of your existing CV to a full rewrite, you’ll be able to step into your UK job search with confidence, knowing that your CV is presenting you to recruiters as an experienced, qualified and capable professional. Find out more here or place an order !

How to write a hospitality CV

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 10:41:16 GMT

There are currently a huge number of vacancies in hospitality, so if your next career step could be in the hotel, bar, restaurant or leisure sector then this is the perfect opportunity to make your move. But first, you'll need to know how to write a hospitality CV that impresses at first sight. Luckily, Word Dragon has you covered!

Use a clear format for your hospitality CV

As with all CVs, a hospitality CV should be written in reverse-chronological order and needs to include certain sections. The most useful are:

Contact details
Professional profile
Key skills
Professional experience
Qualifications and professional development

Ensure that each section has a clear header and that the CV is laid out logically, with plenty of white space. Read some of CV Shed's other blogs for more information on format and layout .

Explain your hospitality experience

Hospitality covers a wide range of roles, from bars and restaurants, to hotels, events and beyond, so your hospitality CV needs to make it clear exactly where you fit in. Are you a bartender in a city centre pub or a receptionist at a boutique country hotel? A chef at a five-star venue or a manager at a fast-food joint?

It may not seem important when you’re desperately looking for a job – any job! – where you can use your skills to pay the bills, but a targeted, focused CV will be much more successful than a generic one. If you make your hospitality CV too broad, you’ll end up looking like a Jack of all trades and master of none. Help the recruiter to see exactly where you could fit into their business by aligning your previous experience with their needs.

Similarly, a recruiter will want to know what level of the hospitality industry you operate at. Are you a Team Leader? Supervisor? General Manager? Make the scope of your role clear by quantifying your responsibilities wherever possible. Put numbers against budgets, team sizes, sites and so on. That way, the recruiter can see whether you have the experience they’re looking for.

If you’ve worked in any prestigious venues, or for particularly well-respected businesses, make sure you say so! A bit of name-dropping is a great way to strengthen your hospitality CV. Don’t forget to mention 5-star ratings and AA rosettes as well. If you’ve worked with high-end customers in the past, their shine will rub off on your CV and recruiters will understand that you can offer the required standards of service and presentation.

Of course, if you have no experience in hospitality to put on your CV, you can focus on transferable skills gained in other jobs, voluntary work or extra-curricular activities instead.

Highlight skills on your hospitality CV

When you write about your current and previous roles, include plenty of keywords. Don’t leave the recruiter guessing! It may feel like you’re stating the obvious, but to someone that doesn’t know you it’s important to explain what you can do and what your skills are. The ATS will also rank your CV more highly if it finds the keywords it's looking for.

Keywords for a hospitality CV would include some of the following: customer service, food preparation, fine dining, health and safety, complaint handling, customer experience, event planning, stock control, front of house, back of house, guest relationships, banqueting, conferences, new venue openings, menu planning, presentation, hygiene, language skills, food and beverage, relationship building, guest satisfaction… the list is endless!

To identify keywords suitable for your own career, scrutinise several job adverts for roles aligned with your experience and goals, and also check out the LinkedIn profiles of professionals in similar positions. You’ll soon see what you’ve missed!

Show where you've added value

When several candidates are applying for hospitality vacancies, recruiters need to see how you’re going to add value to their business. One of the easiest ways to do this is by adding Achievements sections to your hospitality CV, explaining exactly what you contributed in every role. If you performed well in the past, it’s likely that you’ll perform well in the future. Try to think of ways that you surpassed expectations and went beyond your basic job description. Consider:

Did you receive any positive feedback from customers or management?
Have you been mentioned in any TripAdvisor reviews (or on other hospitality review sites)?
Did you achieve or surpass your targets?
Did you generate repeat business?
Were you (or your team) nominated for any internal or external awards?
Were you trusted to train new staff?
Did you increase profits or reduce costs in any way?
Were you involved in any one-off projects? What impact did they have on the business?
Did you open any new venues?
How else did the business benefit from employing you?

If you can, speak to colleagues and review your past performance appraisals - these can be a great source of information if you’re having trouble putting your finger on your successes. Don’t forget to include figures to quantify your achievements as often as possible.

Write a great profile for your hospitality CV

With recruiters only spending a very short time reviewing each CV, you need to make an impact from the moment they set eyes on it. It’s customary to write a Professional Profile , positioned immediately below your name and contact details. Make sure that yours packs a punch!

Don’t bother with cliches (e.g. enthusiastic and hardworking), historical detail (e.g. worked my way up from pot-washer in 1983) or why you want a new job (e.g. made redundant due to COVID-19 pandemic). None of these sound like a dynamic, high-achieving professional that they can’t turn down. Lead with exactly what you do and follow with proof that you do it well. Give the recruiter a reason to keep reading your CV and a reason to interview you.

Hospitality CV example

To help you put this advice into action, here's a basic hospitality CV example that you can use as inspiration for your own:

Bilal Gill Restaurant Manager

London, SE12 07890 123456 hospitalitycv@gmail.com

Professional Profile

A multilingual hospitality professional, with significant experience in high-end bars and restaurants. Confident preparing and serving both food and beverages, demonstrating a commitment to quality and exceptional customer service. Leads teams to deliver premium service whilst meeting profit targets. Thrives in multicultural, customer-facing environments and is keen to share ideas to enhance the product offering.

Professional Experience

Restaurant Manager 2021 - date

Castanets Restaurant, Spain

Training front-of-house staff to achieve compliance with corporate standards
Maintaining health, safety and hygiene standards throughout the venue
Led by example to deliver exceptional customer service at every interaction

Key achievements

Increased revenue by 20% by proactively engaging with both new and existing customers to upsell products
Recruited and developed a high-performing team that were consistently mentioned on Trip Advisor for their excellent service standards, contributing to an increase in the venue’s overall rating
Developed innovative new cocktail menus which generated additional footfall due to an improved local reputation

Head Waiter and Bartender 2019 - 2021

Modern Times Restaurant (5-star), Spain

Delivered high standards of customer service when serving at the bar and in the restaurant
Monitored stock levels and placing orders to maintain optimal availability
Planned staff rotas and managing a bar team of 6
Created seasonal drinks and cocktail menus in line with budgets

Key achievements

Established new cleaning rotas to improve standards in the bar, restaurant and kitchen areas, resulting in a 5-star hygiene inspection
Reduced bar waste by 5% and increased sales by 7% by adding new drinks to the menu
Proactively sold and upsold products, contributing to a 10% increase in profits

Bartender 2014 - 2019

The Green Room, UK

Managed the bar during private parties
Ordered bar stocks and established baseline controls
Delivered first class customer service when taking and preparing drinks orders

Key achievements

Developed seasonal drinks and cocktail menus

Qualifications

Level 3 award: Food Hygiene, Health and Safety, UK, 2019

Bachelors degree: Italian and Mediterranean Cuisine, Italy, 2010

Personal Details

Languages: Fluent English, Italian and Spanish, basic French and Portuguese

More CV help

If you still need a bit more input on how to write a hospitality CV, why not get Word Dragon to write the CV for you ? With over 15 years' experience in writing CVs and membership of the British Association of CV Writers, you can be confident that you're sending out a document that represents the very best version of you! Order here to kick-start your job hunt.

Freelancing life

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 15:45:11 GMT

Ever thought about freelancing? I’ve been at it for over 12 years now, so I thought I’d share my experiences and thoughts to help you decide if freelancing is the right career choice for you.

Benefits of freelancing

The biggest attraction for many people is the freedom and flexibility that freelancing allows. You’re in charge of your own workload, so you can decide when to crack on and when to put your feet up. If you have the discipline to work hard even when no-one is watching, it’s a great way to fit your job around your lifestyle. Whether you want to be free for the kids after school, avoid peak times at the gym or just enjoy a mid-afternoon walk with the dog, you can work a schedule that suits you.

Alongside freedom in how you use your time, freelancing also offers freedom in the work you choose to accept. If you’d rather not do a piece of work – maybe the client always pays late, or makes unreasonable demands, or has a very short deadline – you’re at liberty to politely decline.

Drawbacks of freelancing

The biggest challenge of freelancing is finding the clients to keep the money coming in. It’s certainly not as stable as permanent employment. If you can secure a couple of long-term clients, that then takes off the pressure when other work is in short supply. It’s even possible to freelance for just one client - although I wouldn’t recommend putting all your eggs in one basket. You never know when the client may have payment issues or other business difficulties. Make sure your friends and family are recommending you, you have a strong presence on LinkedIn and your social media presence is engaging, as a bare minimum. Some professional associations also promote their members so it may be worth joining if there’s one for your niche.

When you initially start out, or even when you move in a new direction, you’ll need to set your prices and decide whether to accept offers from clients. It’s a fine balance to price yourself fairly, competitively and in a way that ensures you can afford to live. All I can recommend is research and doing your calculations, as everyone will have a different idea of what they (and their clients) will find acceptable.

Working for yourself also has other drawbacks when compared to permanent employment. The perks that employees enjoy no longer apply – for example you don’t get paid for sick days or holidays and there’s no pension or private healthcare. Will freelancing cover these unseen costs?

Wearing ALL the hats

Aside from actually doing the work your clients request, you’ll also have to carry out every other role involved in running a business. Marketing department? That’s you. Invoicing department? That’s you too. Customer care team? Guess what, you again. I’m not sure whether this is a benefit or a drawback! If, like me, you’re a control freak, it’s reassuring to know that everything is being done just how you like it and that you have a full overview of the entire business. If, on the other hand, you’re used to delegating and would rather focus solely on delivering a client’s work, it may prove to be an unwelcome distraction.

The social side of freelancing

Do you do your best work when you’re alone, or do you thrive on the buzz of the office and the ability to bounce ideas around and share stories? Many freelancers work from home, but if you fall into the latter group, freelancing may not be a total write-off. Rather, it will require careful planning to ensure you still get the input you need, whether that be virtually or in shared spaces.

The lines between work-time and home-time can get blurred, so I’d recommend setting a routine and / or establishing a work area that enables you to separate the two.

Getting started with freelancing

First find the niche, then find the work. Establish exactly what you do and what your product or service offering is – a jack of all trades does not scream “quality”. Depending on what you do, a client may expect an to see an online portfolio (or at least a website), so getting that set up at an early stage is vital. Make sure that you’re not breaching client confidentiality with what you post and remember to keep it up to date, in order to showcase your best work.

There is a plethora of freelance sites online where you can practice your craft and start making a name for yourself, but my advice is to steer clear unless you really have no other option. The pay is usually way below market average.

What do you think? Is freelancing for you? It’s not the most stable employment, but for the flexibility it offers I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Get help to change direction

If you’re at a career crossroads, please do take a look at the Word Dragon website – whether you need help crafting the perfect CV or LinkedIn profile, I'd love to help you to achieve your career aspirations.

Why you need numbers on your CV

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Wed, 02 Sep 2020 18:28:40 GMT

I admit it – I’m a word person. Words give you the means to express any concept you could dream of and transport your mind to marvellous places. Numbers just sit there glaring at you, being defiantly inflexible and stubbornly right or wrong.

Equally, I have to admit that a good CV needs numbers. Even for those who aren’t in mathematical or financial fields, numbers are a necessity - in some ways, they can add more value than the words! Adding numbers to your CV enables you to upgrade your CV from TELLING your story to SELLING your story.

Why should I use numbers in my CV?

A recruiter needs to understand exactly what you’ve done, what you’re capable of and where you can benefit an organisation. Using numbers on your CV enables you to back up and quantify statements which may otherwise be too generic or vague. Consider the impact of “managing budgets” against “managing budgets of up to £25million”.

Numbers can also help a recruiter to understand how you’ve progressed in your career so far – for example, from managing two staff in one department to managing 200 staff in five departments.

What numbers should I include?

The data you quantify on your CV really depends on your role, but the most common (and necessary) figures include:

The number of people you managed
Your budget

Other figures - such as the number of accounts you manage, the number of sites you work across and the number of projects you’ve completed - may all be relevant depending on your role. The possibilities are endless! Identify the key figures which impact the scope of your role and ensure that they’re included. Be sure not to disclose commercially sensitive information, though.

As well as helping to describe your responsibilities, numbers can also bring credibility to your achievements . Anyone can claim to have reduced costs, for example, but if you can put a figure to this saving then you’re making it more believable and proving that you can deliver what you claim. Aim to add quantifiable achievements to every role you’ve held in the last 10 years.

Other vital numbers are your phone number (obviously – but having written CVs for over 15 years I've seen many CVs with no contact details !), dates (of employment, qualifications and courses) and grades (if they’re strong and recent).

What numbers should I not include?

There’s one number that never has a place on a CV and that’s your salary. Past or present, never disclose this on your application. You’re limiting your scope for negotiation and it may be detrimental to your candidacy if the recruiter thinks you’re over- or under-valuing yourself.

You also need to be careful not to disclose any commercially sensitive information. At best, it makes you look indiscreet and at worst it could land you in hot water with your current employer.

You should also carefully consider which dates you’re including – anything too far back and you may be leaving yourself open to age discrimination (yes, it’s illegal, but that’s not to say it doesn’t happen).

How should I present numbers on my CV?

Personally, I prefer to write numbers on a CV as digits, rather than words. It’s not conventional English, but it’s so much easier to notice and pick out numbers in a sea of words when you’re scanning through a document if they’re written as digits.

Need more CV help?

To present the strongest application possible, revisit your CV and identify where you could include numbers. It may help to review your original job description, if you still have it, or to compare your role with others with a similar job title. If you need more help presenting your CV in the most compelling way, why not see how Word Dragon can help ?

How to write a retail CV

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 13:02:44 GMT

If you're ready to move on to your next retail role, you'll need to know how to write a CV that wows recruiters. Here are some hints and tips from Word Dragon , to ensure that your retail CV stands out from the crowd.

Explain your background

Every retail job is different, so your first task is to help the recruiter understand exactly where your experience and expertise lies. Small boutique or department store? Fashion or electricals? High-end or mass market?

In addition to explaining the type of retail you specialise in, you’ll also need to give details of the scope of each of your roles. For example, if you’re a manager, you’ll need to specify the size of your team and your leadership responsibilities. More senior managers will need to quantify the number of stores they work across. The key here is to identify how your role compares with others with a similar job title, to leverage your unique experience and skills .

Include keywords

In a competitive job market, you need to show the recruiter that you can hit the ground running and that you have relevant experience that aligns with their requirements. It’s unlikely that anyone will bother to guess at your responsibilities or give you the benefit of the doubt, if they have a huge pile of CVs to plough through.

Keywords to consider for when writing a retail CV include: customer service, sales, visual merchandising, replenishment, targets, marketing, promotions, upselling, customer relationships, product knowledge, transactions, complaints, refunds and so on – there will be plenty more depending on your personal background. Don’t just plonk these keywords onto your CV with no context though! Explain your experience and success in these areas. Which brings us on to…

Add achievements

Every role should include an Achievements section, detailing your successes and contributions to the company. This is the most effective way of positioning you above every other candidate for the role, as you’ll be showing how you added value.

If you’re struggling to come up with any, consider:

Did you meet or exceed sales targets? By how much?
Did you receive positive feedback from customers or managers? What for?
Did you build a loyal / repeat customer base? How?
Did you have success with upselling or cross-selling? Can you quantify it?
How did you score on mystery shopping assignments or audits?
Did you, your team or your department win any awards? What for?
Did colleagues ask you for advice or recognise your strength in any particular area?
Did you train, develop or mentor colleagues?
Did you break any store records?
Did you contribute to any increase in profitability?
Did you contribute to any key projects or new store launches?
Were you promoted?
Did you improve any processes? Which ones and how? What was the outcome?

There are many ways you can positively impact a business; these are just a few examples. It’s really worth racking your brain to come up with a list of achievements for every role you’ve held in the last few years – it will make your retail CV so much stronger.

Quantify as many achievements as possible, as this makes them more credible and has a greater impact – for example “increased sales by 20%”, rather than just “increased sales”.

Name-drop

It may not be tasteful in real life, but name-dropping on a retail CV never did any harm. If you’ve worked with well-known or luxury brands, or in a flagship store, include this on your CV. It will show that you’re trusted to work with high-end customers and represent the public face of leading retailers.

Emphasise your value

Every retail CV should include a Professional Profile at the top. Use these few lines to emphasise your unique selling point and your value to a new business. This is NOT the place for a dry summary of your career, meaningless clichés or an explanation of why you left your last role. Show the recruiter why they should hire you. For example,

Consider Applicant 1:

A good team player who works well independently. Enthusiastic and reliable. Looking for a job after being made redundant.

Versus Applicant 2:

Leverages local knowledge to drive FMCG retail sales. Reputation for increasing turnover and reducing shrinkage. Leads by example to deliver customer service excellence. Proven to drive operational efficiency across multiple stores.

These aren’t full profiles, but show how you can influence the recruiter’s perception of you from first glance by changing the focus of your introduction. Applicant 1 could be applying for a job in any sector with those generic statements. Applicant 2 is clearly showing expertise in sales, customer service and results delivery in a retail environment.

Further help with your retail CV

Now that you know how to write a retail CV, you're ready to hit the job market! If you still feel like you need more help, Word Dragon has plenty of options to support your job search. Please do get in touch - I’m looking forward to

helping you.

The 3 Rs of a great CV

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 13:35:13 GMT

A great CV is more than a just dry account of your responsibilities and career history. To truly shine, you need to catch the recruiter’s eye by showing that you have recent , relevant experience with a strong record of results delivery. Here are some tips on how you can incorporate these three Rs into your CV, to help you stand out in the jobs market.

Recent

A recruiter is more interested in what you’ve been doing recently than what you did 20 years ago. Too much focus on historical information makes you, and your skills , look out of date. Therefore, it makes sense for your most recent job to be placed at the top of the CV, working backwards. Roles over 10 years ago can simply be summarised to show your career progression. More than 30 years ago should probably be deleted (or at least have the dates removed), to avoid potential age discrimination.

The same rule applies to your qualifications – work in reverse chronological order and place them below your career history, unless you’ve recently finished your education. Take a moment to critically re-evaluate your CV, looking at what the recruiter will see first. Which roles require less detail and will any of the information age you (CSEs and O-levels? A career history starting in the 80s ?)? You’ll need to ensure that your Profile and Key Skills sections are also focused on the last few years.

If you’re emphasising something from many years ago, it gives the impression that you’ve not done much since. Even if something is important to you personally, ask yourself whether it will carry the same weight with a recruiter. A great CV cuts out ancient history.

Relevant

The CV needs to show a clear connection to the type of role you’re targeting. Easy to do if you’re looking at staying in the same role or sector, but trickier if you have a diverse work history or are keen to change career . It’s important to remove or minimise any irrelevant information, as otherwise you’ll risk pigeon-holing yourself and diluting the emphasis on the more relevant skills.

There’s no obligation to cover absolutely everything – a great CV is as much about what you miss out as what you include. Spend some time aligning your skills and experience with the requirements of the roles you’re targeting. For example, a hairdresser looking to move into retail shouldn’t include all their hairdressing qualifications, but should instead focus on transferable skills such as customer service.

Results

Prove that you’re worth hiring by showing how you’ve contributed to the companies you’ve worked at. A strong achievements section, tied to every role, will show that you can deliver results and are willing to do more than the bare minimum. Consider how you've benefited your employers and the difference you've made to the company. Cost savings? Increased revenue? Customer loyalty? Awards?

Even better, if you can quantify the contributions it makes your claims more credible and avoids sounding boastful. Demonstrating a solid record of success is key if you want to elevate your CV above the others in the pile.

Use the 3Rs to write a great CV

Your CV needs to position you as a credible candidate with the right expertise to deliver beyond the basic requirements of the role. Use the 3Rs to keep it focused and on track.

Still unsure whether your CV is really selling you? Word Dragon can write the whole document for you , from scratch, to position you as a strong candidate. Get in touch today!

Why use a professional CV writer?

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 11:06:38 GMT

If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering whether it’s worth investing in a professionally written CV, or whether to do it yourself. Well, as a professional CV writer myself I’m biased, but take a look at why I think the investment is worth it and make your own mind up.

You’ll have a competitive advantage

Your CV needs to stand out from the crowd, particularly in an overcrowded job market. A professional CV writer will focus on the value you can add to a business, by highlighting your achievements and contributions. Don’t forget, we spend all day, every day working with good and bad CVs and reading job descriptions. We know what works and what doesn’t.

You’ll get an outside perspective on your CV

As you know all the ins and outs of your career like the back of your hand, it can help to have someone new look over your CV with a fresh pair of eyes to identify what’s actually important and what isn’t. A professional CV writer will help you to focus on the message you want to convey to a recruiter, without the added noise of the daily grind getting in the way.

You’ll sound amazing!

Your CV needs to convince a recruiter that you’re the best person for the job, but for most of us bragging doesn’t come naturally. If you’re not comfortable blowing your own trumpet (and let’s face it, not many of us are!) then a professional CV writer is a great asset. We’ll make sure that your CV strikes that fine balance between showing off your accomplishments and not sounding arrogant.

You’ll receive a modern, best-practice CV

CV expectations change. Many jobseekers haven’t hit the job market in years and have written their CVs using outdated advice. If your CV contains your date of birth , is written in the first person or doesn’t focus on your achievements, it probably seems pretty dated to a modern recruiter. A professional CV writer will make sure that your CV is suitable for today's job market by eliminating unnecessary information, adding details to make it stronger, improving the presentation , using wording relevant to your target career and ensuring it’s written in the right tone.

Your CV will get a language makeover

Quite aside from accessing your writer’s expert knowledge of spelling and grammar, your CV will benefit from their ability to use the right vocabulary to make an impact. A professional CV writer will combine dynamic vocabulary with keywords, power verbs and positive wording to show you off to the best effect.

You’ll gain an advantage with the ATS

ATSs are unfairly maligned, but working with a professional CV writer will mean that your CV is accurately parsed by the Applicant Tracking System . We understand how the systems work and will write your CV using relevant keywords and an ATS-compatible format.

You’ll be involved throughout

A good CV writer will work collaboratively with you to ensure that your finished CV represents you in a way you’re happy with. They’ll hold a consultation with you to understand your career objectives, your key selling points and your successes and give you opportunities to ask questions, provide feedback and request changes.

You have nothing to lose

Most CV writers offer low-cost reviews of your current CV, so you can decide for yourself whether to make the investment in a full rewrite. Beware which reviews you go for though – many companies produce generic reviews designed to undermine your confidence in your CV, in order to drive sales. The more worthwhile reviews are individually created, based on a personal analysis of your CV. Word Dragon offers free, personalised evaluations and guarantees never to recommend a rewrite you don't need.

Contact a professional CV writer today!

Working with a professional CV writer is, in my opinion, a worthwhile investment in your career. It’s also a great confidence boost to see yourself presented in a way that showcases your very best qualities. Find out more about my CV writing service or place an order today to kick start your job search!

What is an Applicant Tracking System?

jen@cvshed.co.uk (Jen David) — Mon, 18 May 2020 16:34:21 GMT

The applicant tracking system has an undeservedly bad reputation among job seekers, so in this article Word Dragon aims to explain their purpose and bust some of those myths.

What is an ATS?

An Applicant Tracking System is simply software that an employer uses to manage online recruitment. They are used by an overwhelming majority of large businesses, as well as many medium-sized ones, to support their handling of CVs, applicant information and the recruitment process. Job sites, such as Indeed and LinkedIn, also use them.

Why are ATS used?

Companies in the UK use applicant tracking systems to speed up the time it takes to recruit candidates and to store and retrieve information. Businesses can receive hundreds of applications for one vacancy, ranging from the eminently qualified to those just chancing their luck. The ATS can help them to narrow down a huge number of CVs very quickly, to create a shortlist of potential interviewees.

What problems do ATS cause?

Although the benefits for recruiters are clear, the applicant tracking system does require the job seeker to put more consideration into their CV. For maximum readability and higher rankings, they require CVs which are conventionally structured, with the relevant keywords and sensible formatting. There are many different applicant tracking systems on the market, some better than others, so it's worth writing a CV that accommodates even the less modern systems.

Can my CV be rejected by an ATS?

No, applicant tracking systems do not reject CVs . However, they can sometimes be used to rank CVs based on criteria set by the recruiter and the recruiter can choose whether to review every single CV or just those that the ATS has ranked highly. The recruiter can also use the ATS to perform keyword searches on CVs. That’s why it’s important to align your CV with the job description as closely as possible.

If you feel that your CV has been rejected by an applicant tracking system, it may be due to your responses to the screening questions. If your online application involved responding to questions when you uploaded your CV, it may be your responses to these that caused the rejection. Recruiters can use screening questions to immediately disqualify applicants that don't meet their basic requirements - and these responses are also managed by the ATS. Otherwise, a human will almost certainly review your CV.

How can I beat the ATS?

The ATS isn't your enemy and you don't need to "beat" it - it's simply a recruitment tool. T here are numerous applicant tracking systems available in the UK, every one different. A well-written CV should naturally be read accurately by the ATS, but often seemingly ideal candidates can fall through the gap. To avoid this, there are a few simple rules to bear in mind:

How can I write an ATS-friendly CV?

To make sure that your carefully-prepared CV is read as you'd wish by an applicant tracking system, bear the following tips in mind:

Use conventional headers for each section

Each section of the CV should be clearly identifiable – Profile , Education or Qualifications , Career History and so on. These are the headings that the applicant tracking system will use to categorise the information on the CV, so don’t be tempted to go off-piste with About Me or What I Do style headers - or even headers that are the same font size and style as the rest of the document.

Linear format with no graphics is best

Don’t use tables, text boxes or graphics – the format can be misread when the CV is scanned by older applicant tracking systems, so your carefully-constructed document could end up as nonsense. An applicant tracking system doesn’t care what your CV looks like visually. Your aim is for the CV to be scanned accurately by the ATS and still look professional to a human. Over-formatting and graphics won’t help you to achieve either aim.

Use conventional job titles

The applicant tracking system is very interested in your job titles. It uses them to assess your level of seniority, as well as whether your experience could align with the vacancy. If your job title includes the word Manager, the ATS will categorise you as a manager. If your job title includes the word Sales, the ATS will categorise you as a salesperson. Therefore, if your job is similar to the one you’re applying for, but your job title doesn’t quite show that, you’ll need to get a bit creative. It’s fine to put an equivalent job title in brackets, after your official job title, to get round this – for example, your job title could read “Food Assistant (Waiter)”, if you’re applying for a job as a Waiter but your current job title is Food Assistant.

Write chronologically

Write your CV in reverse chronological order. Functional, or skills-based, CVs are harder for applicant tracking systems to categorise.

Use keywords liberally

Make sure you’re using job-specific wording. Ideally, collect a few examples of relevant job adverts and pick out common keywords. These will help you to choose the vocabulary you’ll use in your CV. For a retail job , for example, you may identify “sales” and “customer service” as keywords. Some words will benefit from repeating, as often an ATS will assess the frequency, as well as the presence, of words. Bear in mind, though, that it will still need to read naturally when a human sees it; therefore, excessive keyword stuffing is not recommended!

Beware headers and footers

Use headers and footers for page numbers or to repeat your name, but never for critical information – the ATS may not see it.

Choose an appropriate file format

Save only in PDF or Word format – ideally Word, but follow the instructions given by the recruiter.

The secret to beating the ATS

There’s no great secret to ensuring that your CV ranks highly with an ATS and they don't exist to trick you or eliminate you. A well-considered CV that sells your skills and experience should automatically have the right words in the right structure.

Ask for help

If you want to make sure that your carefully-crafted CV will be parsed accurately by an ATS, why not get a professional CV writer on your team ? Word Dragon is looking forward to helping you!

Reasons to love lockdown

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 20:23:36 GMT

I suspect I’m in the minority here, but I’m actually quite enjoying this lockdown. As someone who works from home anyway, the adjustment has been much smaller for me than it has for many others so I’m able to focus on the positives. If you’re struggling with being cooped up indoors, I hope my list of reasons to be happy will inspire you to take a new perspective.

Pyjama socials

I’m socialising more than ever before (even if it is all online). Everyone’s making an extra effort to stay in touch with friends and family and it’s so much easier to get together now that there’s no need to book babysitters, show your face at after-work drinks or plan travel. Public transport or your sofa? Cold, dark nights or central heating and a blanket? Skyscraper heels or pyjamas? It’s a no-brainer, and I for one hope my pyjama socials continue long after lockdown ends (although with some real-life socials mixed in too, obviously).

Home school

I feel like I have home school sussed. This is because I have teenagers, who have long been convinced that I know absolutely nothing. My ignorance is no longer a disappointment to them, they have no expectation of me being any use whatsoever and I’m free to carry on with my day as usual. “What’s that you say, darling? Can I help you with quadratic equations? Nope, absolutely not. No idea. Email your teacher”.

We’re (kind of) learning stuff

Quizzes are certainly having their moment, aren’t they? If I wasn’t so forgetful, I’m sure I’d have amassed a huge bank of general knowledge facts by now. In reality, all I’m learning is that my general knowledge is sadly lacking. When it’s my turn to be quizmaster, I’ll be getting the kids to set the questions as they already know it all anyway.

Watching the news is fun

Ok, not so much if you actually listen to it, but if you turn the volume off there’s plenty of room for amusement and discussion before you need to worry about the doom and gloom. My favourite games at the moment are Judge The Bookcase (a simple game based on giving marks out of 10 to the bookcases of the various correspondents, based on criteria such as tidiness, expansiveness and literary taste), and Homemade Hairdo (based on assessing the hairdressing capabilities of each presenter, in the absence of their usual team of stylists – this is generally a simple roots-to-dragged-through-a-hedge-backwards ratio).

I’m useful!

In my stubbornness, I have refused to give up my regular Monday morning trip to the supermarket. I did it for years before the virus came along and I’m not going to let a few germs mess with my routine (luckily I’m in a low-risk group). Now, I can pick up shopping for others while I’m there, which not only lets me extend my one trip a week out of the house, it also makes me feel quite useful and helps other people. Everyone’s a winner!

We’re trying new things

In our drive to adapt and make the most of the lockdown, we’ve done things we don’t usually do. So far, we’ve joined in online quizzes and a WhatsApp scavenger hunt, watched West End musicals and Zoomed with family we rarely get the opportunity to catch up with. We’ve also had our days where we couldn’t be bothered to do anything at all and amused ourselves by merely shovelling food in our faces. Balance is good, right?

We’re making friends with new technology

I actually hate technology, and it hates me back. I mean, it’s fine when it works, but quite often it doesn’t and that’s where we clash. On the other hand, lockdown has introduced me to the delights of Zoom and I know plenty of other people who have taken their lives online with Microsoft Teams, Skype and various other technologies, to stay in touch with friends, family and colleagues. Being forced to embrace software that we wouldn’t have looked twice at before lockdown will surely only improve our ability to collaborate and communicate, both virtually and real life, in the aftermath.

The weather has been glorious!

It wouldn’t be British not to mention the weather, would it? But how wonderful it is that we’ve been locked down while the sun’s shining and the sky’s blue. And we’re still allowed to go out and enjoy it! Imagine how apocalyptic it would have felt if we’d been in lockdown during storms and grey skies. I fear I may be speaking to soon, if the weather forecast is to be believed, but no one can take that sunshine back now.

We’re safe at home, not stuck at home

I love having my kids safe at home with me. I’m sure the feeling isn’t mutual. But it’s still a reason for me to be positive.

I hope my experiences have helped you to look at things differently and make the most of your lockdown. Be sure to let me know how you’re staying positive and what new things you’re trying!

Don’t forget, for a new perspective on your CV you can get in touch any time - I'll show you how to make all your new-found lockdown skills increase your employability!

How to handle redundancy on your CV

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 15:19:00 GMT

Redundancy can be an overwhelming and unwelcome experience - your confidence may have taken a knock too. However, the employment market is buoyant and you've got a good chance of landing your next role quickly. In the meantime, you may be wondering how to frame the redundancy on your CV.

Don't give a reason for leaving

Firstly, there is absolutely no need to put a reason for leaving any job on your CV. The document is primarily to help an employer to understand your skills and experience. Including a reason for leaving really doesn’t add any value. If you left your job less than a month ago, there’s no need to even consider that redundancy on your CV is an issue.

Address the redundancy on your CV

However, if time has ticked on and you’re still looking for your next job, you’ll need to address any obvious gap this leaves. The best way to do this, is briefly! A header in the same style as your previous job titles, simply stating “career break” plus the relevant dates, is sufficient. You may like to include a brief one- or two-line explanation underneath, but keep a positive focus on how you’ve filled the time – training, property refurbishment or caring for family are all reasonable examples. This is a great opportunity to emphasise skills that may not come across strongly elsewhere on your CV – just remember to keep it relevant to your target job. There’s no point going into great detail about a course on computer programming or your skill in plastering, if you’re aiming for a job as a Receptionist!

Only state years of employment

If you’ve found new employment since being made redundant, any gap between jobs can often be easily covered by eliminating the months from your employment dates. Instead of saying, for example, that you were employed from June 2017 to March 2019, simply say that you were employed from 2017 to 2019. Even if your next job didn’t start until October 2019, the 7 month gap won’t be noticed.

Use a cover letter

The best place to address redundancy, if you wish to address it at all, is in your cover letter. There’s no need to go into great detail, just a line explaining that you were made redundant and are keen to find a new position is enough. Emphasise any positives from the situation, such as being immediately available or examples of recent achievements , rather than dwelling on the negatives. If the recruiter wants further information, they can ask at interview stage.

I hope that this advice gives you the reassurance and confidence you need to face the job market afresh at this challenging time. Redundancy on your CV need not be an issue.

If you're still unsure about presenting your career persuasively, why not get Word Dragon on your team ?

How to win at working from home

Sat, 14 Mar 2020 16:53:00 GMT

As a veteran of the home office, here are Word Dragon's top tips on how to smash working from home when you're more used to a traditional office.

Set specific working times

The beauty of working from home is that, as long as you get the job done, there is often less necessity to stick to conventional working hours. If you’re not a morning person, your new routine can accommodate that! As long as you make yourself available when your clients need you, you can work whenever suits you. Saying that, discipline is key, particularly in the early stages, so when you’ve decided on your routine I’d advise sticking to it religiously for as long as possible so that you get into the habit of putting the hours in. Distractions are rife – the cheeky lie-in, a quick bit of housework, bonus time with the kids, a pop to the shops, some household admin, the leisurely lunch, a sneaky round of golf… decide what your working hours will be and stick to them. Saying that, once you’re in the zone it can be hard to stop – established working times will help you to draw the line between work-time and down-time and will stop colleagues getting an unrealistic idea of your availability.

Communicate your availability

Communicate your intentions and expectations early on, before interruptions become the norm. Make sure that family and friends understand and respect that “working from home” does not equate to “available for coffee and a chat / round of golf / shopping trip”. If they wouldn’t interrupt you at work, nor should they interrupt you at home.

Separate work and family resources

If your working life is suddenly merged with your home life, it will probably involve Stuff . This Stuff can easily become part of the family – whether your teen expects access to your laptop or your toddler is interested in smearing playdough on your files. Set rules from the start about what can and can’t be touched and keep the Stuff in an allocated place so there’s no confusion.

Maintain office communications

When you’re in the office, it’s obvious whether or not you’re available – either you’re there, working, or you’re not. When you’re at home, out of sight, your colleagues have no idea whether you’re available or not, unless you’ve had this discussion with them. Make sure your colleagues are informed of your rough intentions. Day-to-day information sharing and the ability to bounce ideas around will require more effort than before, so make time to agree on how you’ll stay in touch. I personally use a group WhatsApp and Slack chats, where colleagues and I can post questions or comments and others can respond as their availability allows – but there are so many technologies available now, there’s bound to be one that suits your industry and your style of working.

Beware the fridge

Possibly the biggest home-working distraction of them all is the fridge. No longer able to lean across the desk to chat to a colleague, the kitchen will bear the brunt of your need for a break. Whether you need to stretch your legs, procrastinate, avoid a difficult customer or just gather your thoughts, there are really a limited number of places you can go to if you’re working at home. You could stock up on healthy snacks or incorporate more exercise into your homeworking routine, do whatever works for you, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Accept the hiccups

You know what they say about the best laid plans! Just like when you’re in the office, things won’t always go as you’d hoped. Family life will occasionally take over and technology won’t always behave. That’s life, but longer you stick with it, the easier and more normal it will become. Additionally, when you’ve been working from home for a while, you’ll identify when you’re at your most and least productive and it will become easier to prioritise your work around the flow of your family – you can save the complex, high-concentration tasks for when you know you’ll be able to work for long periods uninterrupted, and the more routine tasks for when you can grab a moment.

Enjoy working from home!

I hope you enjoy your time working from home! After all this time, I wouldn’t have it any other way, so maybe if it works for you too then the daily commute could soon be a thing of the past. Liking the lifestyle but in the wrong job to make it work? Check out Word Dragon's CV writing services to get some help with writing a CV to secure a job where you can make home working, either part-time or full-time, a long-term reality.

How can I improve my CV?

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 14:29:00 GMT

The basic rules for a good CV are the same across the board, but in my 15 years as a CV Consultant, I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly. If you want to stand out and position yourself ahead of the other candidates, I’m here to share some key tips I’ve learnt along the way. Read on to find out how to improve your CV!

1. Improve your CV with achievements

It’s so important to show a potential employer not just what you do every day, but also how you’ve excelled. If you’ve gone above and beyond in your previous roles, it can reassure a recruiter that you’ll do the same for them and prove yourself to be a worthwhile hire. Have a think about how you’ve really contributed to the business, in terms of improvement, profit, reputation, cost saving and so on. These are the details that can really set your CV apart from the rest of the pile. Separate your responsibilities from your achievements , to draw attention to them.

2. Improve your CV with numbers

An easy way to improve your CV is to throw a few numbers in. Primarily, you should use them to quantify your achievements – that way, they’ll come across as credible and concrete, rather than as vague, unjustifiable claims. Think “increased sales by 35% within the first 2 months”, as compared to just “increased sales”. Numbers are also handy to build an understanding of the scope of your role. “Led a team” doesn’t explain much, but “led a team of 18 staff across 3 departments” enables a recruiter to understand more about the level you’ve been working at and the extent of your responsibilities. Bear in mind, though, that the one number you shouldn’t include on your CV is your salary.

3. Improve your CV by removing graphics

With increasing numbers of businesses using Applicant Tracking Systems to store CVs, you’ll need to make sure your CV is parsed accurately. Graphics are the prime offender for messing up the format and rendering elements of the CV unreadable, so get rid of them. There’s really no reason to include images in the first place. Thinking of including a photo? Think again – a recruiter should technically ignore it, to ensure that they don’t fall foul of anti-discrimination legislation. Thinking of including company logos? No way, the CV should be about you, not an advert for your previous employers.

4. Improve your CV by ruthlessly deleting

No need to overshare! A CV is your personal marketing tool, so there’s no need to include every little detail, especially if it doesn’t help to build a compelling case to hire you. No-one needs to know if you were made redundant, had a paper round 20 years ago or dropped out of uni. Gloss over the less relevant parts of your life and focus only on the positives.

Top tip: Find out more about writing a good CV in this post or download a UK best practice CV template !

Need more help?

Now you know how to improve your CV and get ahead, what are you waiting for? Go for it! Or, if you'd like an expert to write your CV for you , Word Dragon can help with that - just get in touch .