So you’ve found your dream role after weeks of web surfing and procrastination. You feel inspired, ready to start a new chapter in your life. Although you've had a series of unsuccessful job applications, you have a feeling that this time will be different!
But it isn't.
After weeks of awaiting a response, you get that all too familiar email: "After careful consideration, we regret to inform you...". So what is going wrong? If you are a good fit for the role, the chances are your CV is not representing you properly!
Let's get you that dream job! Here are five simple tips to help you with your CV writing:
Stay relevant and specific - tailor your CV to each job where possible and keep it up-to-date. As the experts at CV Library say, 'Every CV is different as you want to show why your set of skills makes you suitable for the position you’re applying for...'. Makes sense, right?
Focus on what matters - keep it concise, ideally no more than two pages. Take it from novelist George Orwell, a firm advocate for concise writing. He suggested to 'never use a long word where a short one will do' and that 'if it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.'. These rules apply to your CV too!
Accuracy is key, so tell the truth - have faith in yourself. You may have an urge to exaggerate your achievements or lie about qualifications. You might even know someone who has. But lying in your CV is never a good idea, and employers do not take it lightly. 93% of employers in the UK consider lies about education or qualifications as a 'serious falsification'. If you are not qualified for a position, this will soon become obvious and result in a difficult situation for you and your employer. You will be much happier in a role that is suitable for you!
Make a great first impression - sometimes you need to judge a book by its cover (or your potential employer might). Present your CV well; this is usually your first point of contact with any potential employers. Stay clean and professional with no unnecessary colours or pictures. Also, proper grammar and punctuation are paramount to a good CV - always check for errors. If this is something that you struggle with, Grammarly is a great tool that you can use online for free.
Stand out from the crowd - you are unique; this is your advantage. Some positions may have 100+ applicants, so it is vital to differentiate yourself. Providing a supporting statement with a job application can be a great chance to strengthen your application. You can be as creative as you like. In fact, at Cover People & Worldwide Teaching, we encourage potential teachers to provide us with a video describing themselves and why they would be an asset to a school. However you prefer, finding a way to stand out from the crowd is more important than ever and can help you, and a potential employer, find the right fit.
Next time you apply for a job, bear these five tips in mind; you will be in a better position to secure the role you deserve.
While you're here... if you happen to be looking for teaching work in Greater Manchester or abroad, let's get in touch. Our team of dedicated consultants can help strengthen your CV and will connect you with a growing network of exceptional schools.
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