Tailoring your CV to each job and application is vital!

You will get a huge amount of advice on your CV and will get tired of the various versions you have and constant updating! However, your CV is essential and time taken on it is extremely well spent.

In our experience a poor CV (or one not translated into non military language) can be the biggest barrier to people finding the right role after the military.  It decides whether you can get in front of people and therefore whether you get the opportunity to really sell your potential.

Our view is that the CV is key to your application process. If it is no good you will not get an interview and for ex military people it is key that you get face to face with people. 

At Business Leaders our feedback on CVs is direct and honest. There is no point in us saying that your CV is great if it is not. Therefore please take any feedback as constructive and with the aim of helping you to get an interview.

A few key points:

• We recommend that you always do your CV based on your roles / career and not functionally / by behaviours.
• It must be achievement based – these achievements must show what you have delivered and your potential.
• It must be no more than two sides of A4 (white plain paper).
• It must be commercial and professional, do not hide the fact that you were in the Services but ensure that it is understandable to someone who knows nothing about the military.
• If it does not add value do not put it in your CV eg a potential recruiter will not want to know your partner's name or the age of your children!

Chronological verses Functional CV? Get our view – click here.