When you start looking for a new role, the first important factor is to ensure that your CV is ready and presentable before making an application to your potential new employer. Here are a few key points on why a CV is important and what to include.
Why a CV is important
A CV is often the first impression a potential employer will have of you. It provides an overview of your skills, experience and achievements, helping your potential future employer assess whether you are suitable for a role. A clear, well-structured CV demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail. Conversely, a poorly presented CV can overshadow your strengths and reduce your chances of securing an interview.
What to include on your CV
- A short summary at the start
Start your CV with a short, four-or five-line paragraph that highlights the key elements of your experience and skills, and lists any relevant qualifications that you have.
- Employment history
List your employment history, with your current or most recent employer appearing first, and be sure to include your employer’s name, your job title and the relevant dates of your employment. Provide a concise overview of your duties, preferably in bullet points so that it’s straightforward to read. Include any projects that you have been involved in, and any notable achievements from your time in the role.
- Education
Detail your educational background, starting with your most recent qualifications. Include any job related exams and, if relevant, your degree, the classification and the university you attended. Add in your A-levels/BTECs, GCSEs and the grades you achieved.
- Hobbies and interests
While not essential, this section is where an employer can see what you enjoy doing outside work, and it’s something the interviewer may bring up during an interview. You never know, they might be interested in the same hobbies as you!
- CV length
We usually advise keeping CVs to a maximum length of two pages. Employers are looking at your experience, education and career achievements. Sometimes candidates put too much information into a CV. When a CV becomes more than three or four pages long, it can make it difficult for an employer to quickly see the key information that they are really looking for.
- Conclusion
Your CV is one of the most important documents that you will need to write during your career. Making sure that it’s prepared in the right way will hopefully give you the advantage you need to obtain an interview, and then to potentially secure your new role in the intellectual property (IP) / legal industry.
Luke Rehbein – Director luke@dawnellmore.co.uk
