Are you a football supporter? Or perhaps you enjoy spending your Sundays taking long walks in the wild? Is hiking your favourite spare time activity? Are you the absolute connoisseur of wine? Does Baroque architecture fascinate you? Did you just add all that in your CV? If yes, stop for a moment and think: how is it relevant to the recruiter? (more...)

Imagine the job application process to be a marketing campaign which promotes YOU. The CV the executive recruiter receives needs to be shouting ‘Interview this candidate!’ Solid arguments have to sustain this message and enticing phrases have to convey it. By integrating power words in your CV, you raise the interest of the reader and retain it to the extent that he/she will get to the part announcing your hobbies. (more...)

Out of all the rules to consider when creating your CV, one is clear: you need to start with your name and contact details. But what about extra personal data, such as nationality, age, religion, photo?

While countries like Germany, China or Romania may ask for these details, UK legislation makes it clear that such cues for discrimination are forbidden. If the picture is not considered taboo, or it is even required, be careful – your appearance might influence the response rate you get from recruiters.

A common question is if you should use a photo on your CV. (more...)

Developing a CV can be a nail-biting experience. There are so many different aspects to a great CV – content, wording, style, format, design – but most importantly, strategy. That might not be what you expected me to say.

Most job seekers do not consider the audience and instead compose the CV to please themselves. This is a mistake. A CV should always be written for the reader – the hiring manager, the recruiter, etc. When we work with our clients, of course we want them to be happy with their new CV, but moreover, we want to impress the person beyond the client – the gatekeeper and decision-maker – so that our client lands the interview. (more...)