Top CV tips for successful career in Print, Packaging or Design

Your CV is a way of saying “hello”, “it’s me”, “I can contribute to your company positively”. It sounds easy, but writing an effective CV can be one of the toughest challenges when looking for a new job in print, packaging or design. Most employers spend a few seconds scanning your CV before putting it on the Yes or No pile.

Here are a few tips and ideas to help you stand out from the crowd and get to that all important interview stage.

Always:

Open your CV with a brief Personal Profile, be succinct and positive and explain in a few sentences why you are right for their job. Make it easy for them to put you on the yes pile.
Highlight your recent achievements and make them relevant to the job you are applying for. Quantify these achievements using numbers and percentages.
Start your employment details from your current position and work back.
Double-check all spelling yourself; do not simply rely on a spell checker (it may be American as opposed to English).
Keep your CV to a maximum of only 2 pages.
Ensure every sentence sells you at your best, use positive words.
Quantify all claims with £ figures and or % improvement.
Ensure your CV is factual and above all honest.
Include relevant professional training, awards and memberships.
Make it keyword friendly by identifying what the employer is looking for and using his language in your CV

Never:

Make false claims.
Complain or use negative words and phrases.
Date your CV.
Put personal details at the head of the CV, such as date of birth, number of dependants etc.
Go into great detail on employment which is over 10 years ago.
Use an inappropriate email address. If you have one that sounds a bit rude, strange or offensive, change it to a generic one for your job hunt.