How to write a winning CV

We make up our mind about somebody within the first few seconds of meeting them, and the way you present your CV is the virtual equivalent.

A good CV landing on the desk is like firm handshake, a nice smile and positive eye contact, while a bad one equals, well, sloppy dress, poor manners, and a shifty gaze.

Follow the five golden rules of CV writing, and you’ll transmit a positive first impression: the first step to securing a crucial interview on Mallorca.

  1. Keep it concise

Employers simply don’t have time to spend reading lengthy CVs. For an employer who is busy running their business during the crazy high season in Mallorca, time can be doubly of the essence! To make life a little easier for the person you’re sending your CV to, limit its length to two sides of A4, and keep paragraphs short and sweet without heavy blocks of text; any more than three or four sentences reduces reader appeal.

  1. Look great

With so many excellent CV template programmes out there – often available at no cost – there is no excuse for a badly-presented CV. In line with the above point, avoid cluttered spaces – and always, always run a spellcheck! Your skills and achievements are something to be proud of; reflect this with a professional CV.

Be aware that marketing and branding within Mallorca companies is constantly upping its game, and a little sophistication will go a long way. Stick to one quality format, and refrain from using too many colours.

  1. Tailor it

While the general thinking was that employers spend an average of 30 seconds scanning a CV, the reality is that, in our increasingly pressured times, this can be even less! If you’ve taken the time to consider the specific role you’re applying for and what you can bring to it, this will show, and the employer’s interest will be piqued.

  1. Find your USP, and highlight it

Everyone’s skill set and experience is completely bespoke to them. Highlight those factors give you added worth in a short personal profile at the beginning (tweaked according to the role- see above).

Naturally, language skills are extremely important here in Mallorca. If you speak more than one language, this is the place to show off.

Including a section for hobbies and interests is also fine if you wish, though not essential. Try to avoid, though, stating the less exciting ones. ‘Watching films and walking the dog’ won’t make you stand out as a sparkling candidate.

  1. Back yourself up

Including two, well-chosen references is the CV equivalent of adding a power shot of guarana to a daily smoothie. Rounding off your CV with a couple of credible contacts – or at the very least an invitation to supplying references upon request – is the best note to end on; before, of course, adding a summary of your personal contact details.

The aim is to add just the right amount and depth of flavour to your personal CV, saving it from being too ‘vanilla’, while avoiding over-spicing it with artificial gimmicks. If you find yourself wishing for extra help in how to position yourself for optimum results, consider using the services of Mallorca-based career coach Julie Holmwood, available to contact at julie.holmwood@gmail.com.

Post your CV now!