Whatever your reason is for looking for a new job, don’t underestimate the importance of first impressions and your CV is just that. This is your chance to create a positive impression in order to gain an interview and hopefully secure your new role.
If you are not actively looking for a move at the moment, it is still no harm to have an up-to-date CV to hand in the event that you see a suitable role advertised or you are contacted about a role that may be of interest. The first thing you will need is a strong, well-presented CV that shows how your experience/education/skillset is relevant to the role you are applying for.
If you are looking for a complete career change, chances are you have completed a course or gained some experience in this field which has prompted this move. This too will need to come across clearly on your CV.
There are many myths about writing your CV. The main one being that it should never be over two pages irrespective of your working history. Different recruiters, HR professionals and hiring managers often have contrasting viewpoints on the length of your CV but it makes sense to take the advice of the recruiter you are working with. They know their client and what their expectations are. Remember, it is in everyone’s interest to get you to the interview stage so it is worth listening to their comments and customising your CV accordingly if need be.
If applying directly for a role, do your best to apply a common