A well constructed CV is your first chance to make a good impression and stand out from the crowd when you’re looking to obtain your dream job. We have put together this blog which contains advice and downloadable content on how to create a well constructed CV to capture your employer's attention and ensure you secure that interview.

What’s important on a CV?

Personal details

In this section include your name and contact details i.e. email address, mobile number and LinkedIn profile. These can also be followed by a personal statement consisting of 2-3 lines. Your statement should include keywords to show your value to the compmay and demonstrate why you would be a good choice for the role.

Education & Work Experience

It is important to gauge this off the job you are applying for. If the job description states that the first essential criteria is 3 years experience for example, put your work experience first and your education second. If you must have a degree in something specific then put your education first. It is essential to try and tailor your CV for each role.

Layout

Let’s take ‘work experience’ as a layout example. You should have your most recent employment at the top, the job title, dates of employment and company name. There should be no gaps in employment, and all gaps should be covered. This is followed by job duties in bullet point form.Your CV should be no more than 2 or 3 pages and formatted in a user-friendly way. For example, the same font, font size and paragraphs all in the same alignment.

What not to include:

A headshot

In many countries, it’s common practice to include a photo of yourself on your CV. But the UK is not one of them.

Date of birth

The only dates that should be on your CV are from employment and your qualifications. Your age doesn’t affect your ability to do the job, and it’s illegal for employers to ask about age under the Equality Act 2010.

Marital status

Like your age, your marital status and dependents don’t affect your ability to do your job. These details are protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, and it’s against the law for employers to ask about them, so don’t include them on your CV.

Get in contact

Your CV is your chance to make a great first impression and secure yourself an interview. Download our examples below to guide you when creating your CV. If you're looking for permanent full time pharmacist roles view all our available opportunities here.

If you would like to download our good and bad CV examples, please click here.

If you would like to sign up for our CV clinic with our recruitment specialist, click here.