What is the Purpose of Writing a CV?

Essentially, a CV is designed to summarise all your academic, professional and personal (where relevant) achievements in order to entice or interest a hiring manager when applying for a new job opportunity.

From my experience working in the UK Healthcare recruitment market, the generation and creation of a CV is an integral part of the job application process. I often get asked, ‘What do I need to put in my CV?’ For the most part, the basic principles for writing a good resume haven’t changed much over the past few years. A key component of a great CV is a personal statement that makes the individual stand out. Try to avoid clichéd phrases such as “team-player” or “diligent”. Instead, focus on the facts; your experience and the unique skills which will make you an excellent candidate for the role.

The most important point, which is often neglected when people are job searching intensely, is tailoring your CV to the role you are applying for. Whether you are applying for 1 job or 100 jobs, invest the time and write a relevant sentence or two in your personal statement. Small points such as this can truly differentiate you from the crowd, and they convey clear evidence of your genuine interest in the role you are applying for.

“How long should my CV be?” is another question we often receive. There is no definitive answer, however there are points to take into consideration:

• You have to be as informative as you can, in the most concise manner possible.
• Be direct and specific, use bullet points instead of long sentences where possible.
• A 2 – 3 page document is often a good guide. However, keep in mind that CVs are an individual tool which should be used as your own personal branding and sales pitch. Cutting out important information that could get you the job because your CV goes over the suggested limit could be counter-productive in the long run.

Both hiring managers and recruiters will take approximately 6 seconds to form an initial opinion on suitability when reviewing a CV. They will then take a further 20-30 seconds to do a full evaluation. This is a decisive point; you need to grab, and keep, the reader’s attention in order to get them to notice you.

When speaking with healthcare professionals, I consider it part of my duty to offer advice and support regarding all aspects of their resume. I have provided a brief outline of the structure I suggest candidates use:

• Name and contact details
• Personal Summary/Statement specific to the role you are applying for
• Education/Professional Qualifications
• Employment History
• Registrations/Professionals Licenses
• Continued Professional Development/Further Training
• Professional/Personal Skills
• Hobbies and Interests
• References: Available upon request

Liaising with hiring managers on a day to day basis allows recruitment professionals to understand the fundamentals of a role and in turn allows us to identify what our clients would like to see on the CV of a prospective applicant. This is one of the many reasons it’s crucial to always take the guidance of your recruitment consultant before agreeing to submit your CV.

For more handy hints and tips from our team, check out our other blogs on CV writing and interview techniques!

Cavendish Professionals are specialists within all aspects of recruitment. If you wish to have a discussion or require any advice on drafting or preparing your CV, please get in touch with us.
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