When the time comes for you to look for work during your UK working holiday, it’s important that your CV stands out from the crowd and tells your potential employer about your skills and experience that make you employable. Follow these top tips to help you write the perfect CV that will help you get your foot in the door.
Formatting
Take a look at simple CV templates to find something that suits your personality. CVs don’t have to be boring, but try to keep it concise (2 pages in length is ideal) and make sure it is interesting and relevant to the role for which you are applying.
Contact Details
Include your current email address (preferably something along the lines of joe.bloggs@email.com rather than sexy.joe@email.com – you want a job, so be professional) and a contact number. Double check all the details – there’s nothing worse than a potential employer trying to get in touch and not being able to get hold of you.
Your Profile
Include a profile summary about yourself – it’s really useful to introduce yourself to your potential employer and let them know what type of person you are. Don’t undersell yourself!
To The Point
When you’re talking about your experience, try to include at least 5 bullet points under each job title that really outline the main tasks you’ve performed. Try to keep to the point rather than adding unnecessary ‘waffle’. You want any employer to see how amazing you are in the shortest space possible.
Empty Words
Beware empty words such as “hard working” or “passionate” that employers see time and time again. Instead, give solid examples of how you have gone the extra mile and professional achievements.
Personal Interests
Include information about activities and interests you have outside of your working life – this shows that you are a three-dimensional person with personality and character outside of work. But keep in mind their relevance to the role you’re applying for.
Consider Location
When applying for a job in a different country, you should consider tailoring your CV accordingly. For example, use UK English rather than American or Australian English. And keep in mind the acceptable format for CVs differ from country to country – they are not universal.
Proof Read
Always proof read your CV before you send it! Any errors, no matter how small, can show a lack of attention to detail, which is never good when you’re trying to sell yourself to an employer. It may help to get a friend or family member to read it through – a second pair of eyes is always helpful.
Social Media
Engage with your social media channels – but be sure you keep it professional. These days, employers are all over social media checking out potential employees. Be aware of what you post on Facebook and Twitter, and pin a post that you want people to see when they first go onto your profile. Also, LinkedIn is a great social channel to utilise and can help you to connect with employers.
References
Find a good reference whether it’s a past employer, or someone outside of your workspace who can vouch for your reliability and trustworthiness. It’s all well and good blowing your own trumpet, but even better if someone who knows you can help to sell you to an employer too.
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