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Preparing your CV

A Guide to Standing Out

Top Tips for Preparing Your CV for Your Dream Job

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Applicants will often be surprised how many CVs both recruiters and hiring managers receive. In fact, through the various way to apply for a role-LinkedIn, job boards, and a company’s official website, it is common for there to be around 200 CVs for an in-demand role. It is therefore imperative to ensure your CV is the very best it can be to improve your chances of securing an interview against the plethora of other applicants. Here are 8 tips to dramatically improve your CV:

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Keep your CV to 2-3 pages

This is because hiring managers simply do not have time to go through several pages for hundreds of applicants. It is therefore worth keeping it succinct and focusing on key areas.

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Craft a Compelling Summary

Start with a succinct three-line summary at the top of your CV:

  • First Line:Mention your current position and your years of experience in the field.

  • Second Line:Highlight your main responsibilities and key achievements.

  • Third Line:Briefly state your career aspirations and the type of roles you’re seeking.

This summary acts as a quick snapshot of your professional profile, offering immediate insight into your background and ambitions.​

​Use facts and figures to explain your work experience

Use numbers to bring your professional story to life. Quantify your impact wherever possible, such as the size of the teams you've managed or the volume of projects handled within a specific timeframe. This approach adds credibility and allows hiring managers to gauge the scope of your contributions.

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Focus on Factual Descriptions

Avoid subjective adjectives when describing your skills and experiences. Instead, opt for descriptions that are objective, measurable, and verifiable. This factual approach avoids ambiguity and presents a clear picture of your capabilities.

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Tailor your CV to the specific roles

Customise your CV for each application, emphasising the experience most relevant to the specific role. If the job emphasises a particular skill or area of expertise, ensure your CV highlights your achievements in that domain.

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Be Honest

Resist the temptation to embellish or exaggerate your qualifications. Misrepresentations can be easily uncovered during the interview process or reference checks, jeopardising your credibility and the opportunity.

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Quadruple check for spelling and grammar

Meticulously check your CV for any spelling or grammatical errors. Attention to detail in your CV reflects your professionalism and diligence, qualities highly valued in any role.

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Get a select few trusted people to check your CV

While feedback can be invaluable, too many opinions can dilute your CV’s effectiveness. Choose a few trusted individuals, preferably within your field, to review your CV. Their targeted insights can help refine your document without compromising your professional narrative.

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Your CV is a critical tool in your job search arsenal. By focusing on clarity, relevance, and authenticity, you can craft a document that effectively showcases your unique qualifications and aligns with your career objectives. Following these refined tips will help ensure your CV not only captures the attention of hiring managers but also positions you as a compelling candidate for your dream job in the legal profession.

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