At The Logistics Network we see hundreds of CV’s every month, and we are well positioned to advise on layout and content. So if you would like further advice or information on this please call us.

 

Here is some simple and (hopefully) useful advice.

 

 

Design and layout should be clear and uncluttered. Start with personal details, then jobs held and then education and qualifications.

 

A chronological format is often the most effective i.e. jobs and dates starting with the most current first and working backwards. Concentrate on three areas; qualifications, responsibilities and achievements. The basic layout is:

 

· Keep personal details brief and essential (name, address, email address, phone number)

 

· Brief, and relevant introduction identifying your work experience and areas of skill. Put start and finish dates next to all jobs and explain any gaps.

 

· Education - show establishment attended, and courses studied with grades and other relevant details i.e. vocational qualifications with dates and course details.

 

·Use all of the space on the page. Avoid wasteful borders and layout styles but equally don’t make it cluttered.

 

 

One mistake can land your CV in the reject pile. Even the best of us make mistakes, but there is no excuse for releasing an imperfect document to someone that you’re trying to impress. Proof read once completed and then the day after, and get someone else to read it as well. Do not rely purely on “Spell check” as this often overlooks errors remaining within the text.

 

This document is a reflection of you and should be perfect.

 

 

Good luck!

  

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Your CV will get you through the door of a potential employer. Once you’re there, what do you do next?

Well, here’s what not to do. The following really upsets potential employers:

·Late arrival – plan your route, don’t cut it fine.

·Poor presentation – we will advise you if the company has a particular dress code e.g. smart casual. Otherwise, dress to impress. We advise you to be cautious in your style – not everyone will warm immediately to those “Mickey Mouse” socks!

·Poor preparation – look at the company’s website, read the Role Profile and think about how your experience matches their requirements. Pre-plan examples of previous experiences relevant to the role.

·Not answering the question!!

·Lack of enthusiasm – look like you want the job!

·Too laid back / relaxed
·Too tense
·Too overbearing

·Too wordy or talkative – obviously, you should be talking for the majority of the time in a good interview. However, keep to the point, stay focussed, answer the question, give relevant examples and let the interviewer ask another question. Obviously you’ll want to express yourself, but keep it relevant.

·Presenting documents – this can aid your case or it can seriously hinder it. Only introduce at a point that won’t disrupt the flow of the interview, and only introduce them if they are directly relevant to the point under discussion, not just because you’ve brought them with you.


Remember that you have to make your career history interesting to the interviewer. Highlight your achievements and their relevance to the role, but don’t go into too much depth or detail unless prompted. Do not go off at a tangent about something that is irrelevant and keep the discussion relevant and lively.

We normally will advise you of the interview format that clients will be adopting.

Many companies now use psychometric testing as part of their selection criteria, so be prepared, and we are usually able to advise you in advance that this is part of the procedure.

If you’ve done your homework and arrive in a confidant and “relatively” relaxed state of mind you should do yourself justice and be closer to securing the role.

Good Luck!