Writing a professional CV
Your CV is your selling tool. It MUST sell you to a prospective agency or employer so that you can get the opportunity to sell yourself in front of them. Never underestimate the power of a good CV or, indeed, the chances you are missing if you write a poor CV.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO
Make it clear and concise:
Most people will initially scan your CV rather than read it word for word, so make it easy to read with relevant points highlighted – and keep it short – few people will read a 3 or 4 page CV, they haven’t got time. One or two pages of A4 is ideal.
Sell yourself
This may seem obvious but unfortunately even some of the best salespeople forget that this what their CV should do and whether you are an engineer, a salesman or an accountant your CV needs to sell your services to ensure you get that all important interview.
Benefits, benefits, benefits! Why should someone employ you? What have you achieved in your career to date? How have you added to your company’s profits/objectives? Give examples of your achievements, how you have helped others to achieve, pertinent highlights from your last position. Show how your career has progressed and why you are looking for a new challenge.
Always check your spelling and grammar
If you know you’re not the world’s greatest speller don’t rely on your PC to spell check, get someone who is good to proof read it. A poorly written CV, no matter how good the content may be, will usually go on to the reject pile.
Do your homework
Always ensure that you make your covering letter relevant to the job you are applying for. So many people, who really should know better, write a standard letter and ship it out with their CV to all and sundry – reject pile I’m afraid.
Write your CV on your computer
Seems obvious but still people send in handwritten CVs – unless your handwriting really is copperplate and therefore legible to all – use your computer – something we can all read.
Use decent quality paper
For both your letter and CV – we still get beautifully written CVs sent in with a letter on a torn out piece of paper from a notebook scribbled in biro. How professional does that make you look?
Account for any gaps in your CV
Ensure that you get your dates right and if there are any gaps make sure you account for these (don’t make us assume!)
Check your CV on your computer before emailing it – make sure it looks good on screen which is where most CVs will be viewed.
Don’t
Lie
You will be found out.
Use text speak
It’s unprofessional. Fine when texting your friends a no no on a CV.
Attached is a sample of a well written and concise CV which gets the relevant points across to a prospective employer.
A Superstar,
23 High Street
Anytown
Anywhere
XY1 2GB
I have been a successful salesperson for the last 5 years. Consistently achieving over target, I am self-motivated, hard working and tenacious.
In my current role I have opened over 10 new accounts each month, as well as developing my customer accounts to bring in over 120% of targeted GP in the last financial year.
I am now looking for a new challenge where my hard work and natural sales ability will be well rewarded and where there is scope for progression into sales management in the longer term.
Career History:
Account Manager GB Limited, Anytown. Audio Visual Reseller
January 2004 to present
- Consistently achieving over target both in terms of Gross Profit and new accounts
- Hold the Company record for number of accounts opened in any one month (25)
- Won salesperson of the month competition on 8 occasions
- Helped mentor and coach new salespeople (both telephone and field)
Reason for leaving: Career progression and self development
New Business Sales UK Plc, Bigger Town. IT Supplies Reseller
September 2001 to December 2003
- Telephone Sales role opening new accounts
- Achieved Salesperson of the Year award in 2002
- Consistently achieved over target
- Helped train new salespeople
- Assisted team leader in their role and assumed responsibility in their absence
Reason for leaving: Career progression and self development (offered field sales role)
Trainee Salesperson Yorkshire Ltd IT Consumables Reseller
August 2000 to August 2001
- First sales role and first job after graduation
- Came top in Initial Sales Training Course
- Achieved sales targets consistently after month 3
- In June 2001 I opened more new accounts than the rest of the sales team put together – won a Wide Screen TV for this.
Reason for leaving: Career progression and self development
Education:
University of England 1997 to 2000 BA Hons 2:1 English & History
Captain of University football team 1998 to 2000
Ran University Business Club 1999 to 2000
Interests:
Football (both playing and supporting, Anytown FC)
Local History
Playing Chess
Referees:
Upon application