Enhancing your CV

NCLT recommend the following to enhance your CV or application form.

Apply for vacation schemes                      

Training contracts are becoming increasingly competitive and there is more emphasis placed on securing vacation scheme placements to gain experience and for the opportunity of obtaining a training contract.

Personality   

Stand out to recruiters by detailing interesting information on your CV/application form.  Include your involvement in mooting events, charity work and competitive sports.   You can also mention where you may have gained leadership skills i.e. at a holiday job/working abroad etc.

Gain work experience                               

Work experience, work experience…..and work experience will reflect well on your CV/application form.

Target and tailor your application              

• We recommend that you target specific firms in the practice area you would like to work and that suits your skills and experience rather than 'blitzing' your CV/applying to lots of firms. For example if you do not have a 2:1 in your degree, good A level results or any commercial experience, you may not be in a strong position to apply for work in a corporate firm
• Prioritise your applications - create a timetable
• Don't rely on deadlines to send applications.  Aim to submit your applications as soon as possible before the closing date

Tips for creating a CV

• Presentation - Aim for a professional format.  Avoid colour and fancy fonts. Use a reasonable font size (preferably 12)
• Layout - The first half of the page is prime selling space, so include the most important selling points about you here
• Content - Try and tailor your CV to a particular firm, rather than sending out a 'blanket' CV to a number of firms. Your CV is a snap shot of your career and should take up no more than two sides.  Try and be as truthful as possible
• Stand out - the person reading your CV has likely to have previously read 200+ CVs
• Profile - Detail what you do well, your work ethos and who you are in a professional capacity 
• Achievements - Stipulate your achievements whilst in a job rather than just detailing the job description
• Don't try and hide your grade - if you have a 2:2 make sure you include extra information/experiences to prove you are a good candidate
• Career history - Start with the most recent work experience first. If you can, relate your experience to the job you are applying for.  It is not necessary to include every job you have had
• Read, re-read and get someone else to read your CV - There is absolutely no excuse for spelling/grammar mistakes.  This is a reason to be immediately eliminated from the application process

Send a covering letter:

• You should always include an accompanying letter with your CV. Aim for one side of A4, in the same font as your CV
• Explain why you have applied for the role and how you think you can contribute to the business.  What is your unique selling point?
• Get in the mindset of the firm you are applying to and target the letter to the firm as much as possible. The personal touch works best
• Address correctly - to the correct named person (ring and ask who applications should be addressed to if unsure)