How to Craft the Perfect CV – And How Ocho Can Help
Your CV is your first opportunity to make a lasting impression on potential employers. A well-crafted CV not only highlights your skills and experience but also showcases your personality and career aspirations. In a competitive job market, it’s crucial to ensure your CV stands out for all the right reasons. At Ocho, we specialise in helping IT professionals create compelling CVs that catch the attention of hiring managers. Here’s how you can perfect yours—and how we can assist you every step of the way.
1. Keep It Concise and Relevant
Hiring managers spend an average of 6-8 seconds scanning a CV before deciding whether to continue reading. Ensure your CV is clear, concise, and relevant to the role you’re applying for. Stick to two pages where possible, focusing on the most impactful aspects of your career.
2. Tailor Your CV to Each Role
One-size-fits-all doesn’t work when it comes to CVs. Read the job description carefully and tailor your CV accordingly. Highlight the key skills and experience that align with the job requirements, using keywords from the posting to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS).
3. Structure It for Readability
A well-structured CV makes it easier for hiring managers to find the information they need quickly. Use clear headings and sections, such as:
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Personal Statement – A short summary highlighting who you are, your key strengths, and your career goals.
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Skills – List both technical and soft skills relevant to the job.
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Work Experience – Detail your previous roles, achievements, and responsibilities in bullet points.
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Education & Certifications – Include qualifications that are relevant to the industry.
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Projects & Achievements – Showcase notable projects, particularly if you work in IT, development, or engineering.
4. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties
Rather than listing job responsibilities, highlight key achievements in each role. Use quantifiable results where possible, such as:
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Developed an application that improved workflow efficiency by 30%.
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Led a team of developers to successfully launch a SaaS platform, generating £500k in revenue.
5. Use a Professional, Clean Layout
A cluttered or poorly formatted CV can be off-putting. Use a clean, modern font and keep the design simple. Avoid unnecessary graphics or colours that can distract from the content. If you’re in a creative field, a well-designed CV can be beneficial, but ensure readability remains the priority.
6. Proofread and Get Feedback
Typos and grammatical errors can cost you an interview. Proofread your CV thoroughly and ask a trusted friend or mentor to review it. A fresh set of eyes can often catch mistakes you might have overlooked.
How Ocho Can Help
At Ocho, we understand what hiring managers in the IT sector are looking for. We offer tailored CV reviews and career guidance to ensure your application stands out. Here’s how we can support you:
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CV Reviews – Our team can provide feedback and suggest improvements to enhance your CV.
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Industry Insights – We have in-depth knowledge of what employers in the IT sector value most.
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Personalised Job Matching – We connect you with opportunities that align with your skills and career goals.
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Interview Preparation – Once your CV lands you an interview, we offer tips and coaching to help you ace it.
A strong CV is the first step towards securing your dream job. Whether you’re looking for a new role, changing careers, or simply refining your professional profile, Ocho is here to help. Get in touch with us today for expert advice and support!
