Your CV is your most valuable tool when applying for new career opportunities. It is your chance to make your first impression, tell your story, highlight your achievements and set your aspirations.
After all, if you don’t really use your CV to its’ full potential, then how will a prospective employer use it to establish your potential?
At SimkissGuy, we know that you are unique and we want to do all we can to help you in your search for a new career opportunity. Your CV is a snapshot of you, your experience and personality should shine through. It can be a challenge knowing where to start, so here are some top tips to help you on your way.
You want your CV to look clean, sharp and professional. Ideally you are looking for a document that is two pages long. If you are really struggling for space then three pages is acceptable, but absolutely no more than this.
A classic layout of white page with black text is essential; choose a nicely presented font that is clear and easy to read. Over recent years there has been a trend towards adding a photograph to a CV, but this is not something we would recommend. It takes up space and will detract attention away from your job winning skills.
Have your name, address and contact details at the top and centre of the page. Do not include your date of birth. Ensure you use correct punctuation, grammar and spelling throughout your CV. Do not just rely on spellcheck. Proof read several times and cast a critical eye. Give to a trusted friend with a great eye for detail to check too. Look at your CV as though seeing it for the first time.
Avoid long paragraphs and large chunks of text: you will lose the interest of the reader. Is there any wasted space? Make sure you avoid any slang words and acronyms that may be only relevant to your particular industry or employer as this may not mean anything to a reader who does not know your particular area of expertise.
Tailor your CV to the opportunity that you are applying for. Read through the job description and highlighted qualities that the role requires. What sort of employee are they looking for? Where can you add value to their business? What makes you unique? How can you evidence those crucial qualities throughout your CV? Use positive language consistently and don’t be afraid to let your achievements shine through. Be proud of your CV and confident in your own abilities to make a difference to the business you are hoping to work in.
Use personal statements to give an overview of you. It should be a short, succinct paragraph and needs to grab the attention of the reader. Use it to bring your CV to life and tell your personal story. What are you looking for from your new role? Try to avoid using “power phrases” that are very generic and lack meaning, such as “A motivated, hardworking team player with the ability to also work on own initiative”. Use words that demonstrate your individual qualities that are then backed up by your experience.
These can immediately follow the Personal Statement in any order, depending on which you feel is most suited to the application you are making. Be accurate with your dates and general information. Dates should detail month and year.
Key Skills – List any individual qualities you have that demonstrate your suitability for the role. These can be IT skills, training or professional qualifications and any additional language skills.
Education – Give a general overview of your achievements. Dates and place of study, GCSEs, A Levels, and Degree etc. should be listed. If the role you are applying for requires a particular level of academic achievement then provide some brief detail to evidence your suitability.
Career History – Start with your most recent employer first and then work back. Have strong headings and ensure the company name is clear, along with your job title and dates of employment. Adding reasons for leaving each of your roles is also very helpful, especially if you have worked in a number of contract roles. If you have been temping then include this information. Cover any gaps in employment with a brief description of how that time was utilised, i.e. “Travelling throughout Australasia” or “Actively seeking employment”.
Under each job heading, write a line or two to set the context of the business you worked in. What do they do and how your role was positioned within that. Then use bullet points to highlight your key responsibilities and use evidence of your achievements to demonstrate your skills. List any significant achievements and detail how that benefitted the business.
These should be at the end of the CV. References can be detailed or you can use “References can be supplied upon request” if you are struggling to keep to the two page rule. Use the personal interests section wisely. Avoid the old adage of “Reading, going to the gym and socialising with friends”. Again, use this section to let your personality shine – keep it short and simple. Two lines highlighting your interests and what really motivates you in your spare time, remember it can be an interesting conversation point in an interview!
Good Evening Rebecca,
Thank you so much for the brownies, they were amazing.
My first day in the office was wonderful, everyone is really nice and made me feel welcomed.
Thank you so much, I really appreciate all your support.
Thanks again, I appreciate the support you have provided from start to finish
Thanks Helena, working with yourself and Becky has been a breath of fresh air.
You’re both very detailed and communication has been fantastic!
Thanks for your help so far and fingers crossed it’s good news!
Hi ladies,
Thank you so much for your kind words and warm congratulations on my promotion, I truly appreciate it! 😊
I appreciate all that you’ve done for me to get to this stage. I couldn’t have done it without you both!
Hi Becky
Just a quick note to say thank you for sending through some promising looking candidates 😊 It is great to be working again with a familiar, friendly face who is always reliable.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you both for the effort and expertise that SimkissGuy Recruitment has put into helping us identify a suitable candidate for this role. I am really pleased with who we are bringing on board and am looking forward to working with her to help develop the organisation.
Thanks you for all your help Helena, you were great!
I am really enjoying the role so far and I hope I’ll be happy for a long time here, but if there’s any searching in the future, I’ll be in straight back in touch.
Rebecca and Helena did an amazing job for us, way above and beyond – thank you!
Jessie (temporary candidate supplied by SimkissGuy Recruitment) has hit the ground running and is already making a real difference. She’s picked things up incredibly fast, and we’re already feeling the benefits of having her on board.
One of the things that really stands out about Jessie is how quickly she learns. She takes on new processes with ease and isn’t afraid to dive into challenges. Her proactive attitude and willingness to get stuck in have been a huge help to the team.
Recruitment is particularly tough at the moment, so having someone with Jessie’s positivity and strong work ethic is a real asset. She stays motivated, focused, and brings great energy, even when things get tricky.
Honestly, we couldn’t be happier with how she’s doing, and we’re excited to see her continue to grow in the role!
I met Rebecca Simkiss and Helena King at one of the lowest points in my life, just after leaving a job where I had become completely disengaged due to repeated mistreatment and discrimination. Feeling lost and uncertain about my future, I put my trust in them wholeheartedly—and I’ve never looked back.
Your kindness, dedication, and expertise helped me rebuild my confidence and secure my next role within weeks. Your unwavering support throughout the entire process—before applications, during applications, and through the sifting stage—made all the difference. You ensured I felt heard, valued, and that my needs were met. Even after I started my new job, you continued to support me.
You and Helena are more than recruiters—you are professionals who truly change lives and restore hope. You not only helped shape my life but did the same, selflessly, for everyone I recommended your way.
Although life has taken me in a completely different direction, I will always recommend your top-notch service, dedication, determination and high professionalism. Please don’t let anyone dim your sparkle or think they can shade your excellence.