If you were to ask ten recruiters the question of how the perfect cv would look, it’s likely you may receive ten different answers as presentation is subjective.
However, in my experience there are some unwritten rules so please allow me to share some pointers.
1. Clean and simple format – preferably without the use of online cv builders as these are difficult to download – Word or PDF is optimum. The use of bullet points will condense information into clear and concise detail.
2. Include the objective in the opening statement Profile – this should state your intent and help the reader understand your aspiration.
3. List clear dates of employment.
4. Include full qualifications and training courses attended – you may consider that City & Guilds Welding & Fabrication is enough, and it can be, but how much more compelling might that look if the modules covered were included, eg...
1991 to 1994 – City & Guilds Level 3 Welding & Fabrication
Included modules:
You get the idea.
5. Highlight Career achievements – we’re often reserved when talking about our successes yet it's not boastful to highlight projects when you’ve succeeded. It reinforces a positive work influence and provides a good talking point.
Principally a cv should be a compelling document that encourages recruiters to call – you’ll know you’ve got it right when you post to a job board and the phone starts ringing.
Quite simply – it saves you time!
I might receive 30+ responses to an advert which involves reading each cv, filtering against the job description, speaking with applicants – often in the evening, meeting where possible, and referencing.
Recruiters can be accused of many things, but laziness generally isn’t one. However, there is an upfront time cost that should be factored and considered as an investment.
Meet the recruiter, provide them a tour of your facility, explain the company culture and vision, prepare a detailed job description that will include required experience of specific machine tools, controls, software, processes, etc and share as much information that will allow for higher quality matching with candidates.
A stitch in time really can save nine!