Get that interview with a gutsy CV that uses the right language.

The way to make a strong first impression is to use power words to show that you are a proactive individual who achieves results. Then, use carefully chosen action words to describe the jobs you’ve undertaken, your duties, and back up every statement with a concise example.

There are no hard and fast rules, but here are a few guidelines on writing a winning CV.

Power words

For the greatest impact, use power words in the opening few lines of your CV, especially when giving an overview of your career. This demonstrates that you have transferable and interpersonal skills, which are key things that recruiters will look for.

Employers are usually looking for particular qualities, such as good communication skills, organisational skills, language skills, initiative, flexibility, teamwork and the ability to cope with pressure. When applying for positions, pick out the skills required and demonstrate that you have them.

For example, ‘Managed a team of five and supervised the launch of a new sales initiative’.

Some other good power words are:

• achieved
• co-ordinated
• developed
• established
• initiated
• introduced
• managed
• motivated
• obtained
• organised
• performed
• supervised

Action words

Use action words to describe the jobs you have undertaken and your key duties. Don’t list every task or go into too much detail. Give the recruiter a taster to make them want to meet you to find out more.

For example, ‘Targeted small businesses and sold advertising space.’

• analysed
• completed
• contributed
• created
• demonstrated
• designed
• evaluated
• set-up
• sold
• targeted
• worked

More top tips

• Use direct language and always write in the past tense, unless you are talking about your present job. Never start a sentence with ‘I’.
  
  
• Start every sentence with either an action or a power word.
  
  
• Back words up with examples. For example, write, ‘Implemented new sales techniques and achieved consistently high results.’ This clearly explains your role to the reader.
  
  
• Emphasise characteristics that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
  
  
• Pay attention to layout. Avoid solid blocks of text and use space to emphasise points and make sections stand out.
  
  
• Have a clear, easy-to-read sequence of sections.
  
  
• Make sure that the reader has a sense of a living breathing person behind the words and format.
  
  
• Make sure your CV is snappy and clear by rereading it and eliminating any unnecessary words like ‘was’, ‘were’ and ‘there’.
  
  
• Check your CV carefully for spelling, grammar and layout, before sending it to prospective employers and use an envelope large enough to take your CV unfolded.