CV keywords are a vital component of a strong CV. With the right keywords, you’ll ensure that your CV is found in recruiter searches and impress the reader with your skills and abilities. But what are the best CV keywords and how can you incorporate them naturally throughout your CV? In this article, we explore how to find out which CV keywords will make your CV stand out, suggest some dynamic verbs to include and explain how to weave keywords into your CV in a way that showcases your suitability for the role. Finding appropriate keywords for your CV There are several ways of identifying ap ..read more

The STAR method is a time-honoured technique for job hunters. Whether you’re filling out an application form or trying to shine in an interview, the STAR method has long been promoted as the best method to convey your suitability for the role. But wait! There’s a new kid on the block and his name is CARL. CARL is the job search technique taking over from STAR – and for a good reason. This article takes a look at both methods and examines why CARL might be a better friend to drive your job hunt forward. What is the STAR method? STAR is commonly seen as the ideal way to promote your candidat ..read more

Faced with a blank screen and an illustrious career, it can be hard to know where to start when you need a CV. Luckily, CV Shed has a handy tip for you. As with any overwhelming task, it’s easier if you break it down into smaller chunks. Let’s get rid of the blank screen by starting with some CV headings! By putting some headings in position, you’ll be able to make a strong start and get a structure in place, that you simply need to fill out later with the facts. In this article, you’ll find out what CV headings you need and learn some handy hints for formatting them. There’s even a CV headi ..read more

We’ve all had days where we’re fed up with our job. Days where we can’t listen to Sandra’s moaning any more, we can’t take the constant interruptions from a micro-managing boss and can’t look at the same data for another 8 hours. It’s normal to feel that way sometimes – but if you’re constantly stressed, fed up, burnt out or bored, if you’re coming home every night screaming “I need a new job!” – then it’s time to take action. Luckily, CV Shed is here to help you out of your funk, with some actionable advice to get you into a job you’ll love. Identify the problem Before you start firing off ..read more

In 2014 I set up CV Shed . It was never part of my plan – in fact, my only plan was not to have a plan but to go where the wind blew me. And it blew me here. Certainly, no-one is more surprised than me to find that I’ve set up a company that not only pays the bills and supports my chocolate habit, but that I actually enjoy every day. If you’re thinking of running a business from home, here are some of the things I’ve found out along the way that may – or may not – help you along. It’s OK to make it up as you go along when you’re running a business from home I learnt how to run a business fr ..read more

It’s one of the most basic skills that we all use, whether at work or at play. Communication is at the heart of being human, so why should you put communication skills on your CV? Everyone can communicate, right? Well, yes – but we all communicate differently and have different strengths which we use in different situations. In this blog, CV Shed looks into how we can use a CV to show off the communication skills that employers are looking for.   What communication skills do employers want on a CV? There are different types of communication skills, so your CV needs to highlight the one ..read more

You’ve found the perfect job and you’re ready to apply – exciting times (hopefully) lie ahead! Make the right first impression with a persuasive job application email that presents you as a professional, polished and interview-worthy candidate. In this article, you’ll find out how to do just that! Why might you need to send a job application email? There are various reasons why you might find yourself applying for a job by email: You’re applying to a small company. Small companies are less likely to use online application portals and will instead ask potential candidates to email their app ..read more

We all know that presentation is key to a great CV. The first impression comes from the overall look of the document, before the reader even starts reading, so choosing the best CV font is an important decision. Luckily, CV Shed has some advice to help you make a great choice. Choose a Sans Serif font Serifs are the little flourishes on the top and bottom of letters. This is a Serif font This is a Sans Serif font Serif fonts can look great when printed out, but most CVs these days are read on a screen initially. Therefore, choosing a Sans Serif font is a wise decision, as they tend to be e ..read more

You know that your Cv needs to include skills - but what skills should you include and how should you include them? This handy infographic explains the difference between soft and hard skills and how to include each type on your CV. If you need more help with your CV, CV Shed is here to help. Check out the different services on offer and choose whichever one suits your needs and your budget. I'm looking forward to supporting your job hunt ..read more

Faced with a blank document in front of you and a lifetime of work behind you, writing a CV can seem like a daunting – maybe even impossible – task. Fear not though – your knight in shining armour is here! In this article, CV Shed shares everything you need to know about writing a CV. Write for your audience The number one rule, when you start putting pen to paper – or finger to keyboard – is to write for your audience. Tell them what they need to know, in an easily-digestible way. That means: Telling them what they need to know, without bogging them down in irrelevant detail Explaining to ..read more