Writing a CV might appear straightforward – update contact details, add recent job experiences, and send it out, right? Well, in this blog, we'll go beyond the basics and reveal what hiring managers truly seek, the art of CV formatting, and interview preparation to give you the best shot at landing that dream job.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the following key areas:

Assessing Your CV's Effectiveness: Is it up to par with industry standards?

Perfecting Grammar: Discover a must-have free tool to ensure flawless language.

Showcasing Past Experiences: Embrace your achievements and the valuable lessons you've learned.

Managing Your Online Presence: Projecting your best self on social media platforms.

Attracting Employers: Navigating the two-way street of recruitment to get noticed.

Eliminating Simple Errors: Preventing potential pitfalls that could hinder employer communication.

Researching the Interviewer: Finding and using the interviewer's name to build rapport.

Aiding Your Job Search: How 26 Recruitment can support you in landing your ideal job.

Keep reading to unlock the secrets of a winning CV, tailored for the catering and hospitality industry. 

CV Writing Tip 1 – Mastering Grammar for an Impactful Impression

When it comes to securing your dream job and outshining the competition, making a strong first impression is crucial. Before a business can consider inviting you for an interview, they rely on your curriculum vitae to gauge your capabilities, personality, work ethic, and other essential factors.

Grammar takes centre stage in crafting a compelling CV. Utilise free writing tools like Grammarly to ensure impeccable spelling, grammar, tone, and formality in your CV. Moreover, be mindful of the language you employ, tailoring it to each specific establishment you apply to. For instance, a small independent family-run Gastropub striving for recognition may appreciate a slightly more relaxed CV style, while a luxury 5 star hotel in London will prefer a more formal approach.

CV Writing Tip 2 – Showcasing Your Stellar Career Journey

Your CV presents the perfect opportunity to shine the spotlight on the remarkable places you've worked, the invaluable experiences you've garnered, and the valuable lessons acquired from each role. Maintaining clarity and accuracy while highlighting key employers and any training or courses you've undertaken to demonstrate your commitment to personal growth. 

For inspiring examples of standout bios, explore 26 Recruitment’s Meet the Team page on our website, where our recruiters have crafted impressive showcases. 

CV Writing Tip 3  – Leveraging Social Media for CV Success

Let's face it; not everyone may be enthusiastic about engaging in the social media realm. However, one undeniable fact remains – your potential employers and their hiring teams are active online. Enhance your prospects of securing a first-stage interview by proactively creating or revamping your social media profiles before submitting a job application.

Strike a balance and ensure your online presence complements your professional aspirations.

CV Writing Tip 4 – Attracting Employers: Be Visible and Relevant

In the quest for your ideal job, it's essential to remember that employment is a two-way street. While you actively seek your perfect position, employers are also on the lookout for their ideal candidate. Nowadays, online job boards provide a platform where you can upload your CV and opt to be discovered by potential employers. When you choose to share your CV, prospective employers can utilise these job boards and perform targeted searches using specific keywords related to their vacancies, such as "Pastry Chef, London," "Hotel Manager," or "Restaurant Manager."

When crafting your CV, incorporate relevant keywords that are specific to the role you're applying for or seeking. This strategic approach ensures that you appear in the right employers' searches and significantly enhances your chances of securing your next job opportunity.

CV Writing Tip 5 – Verify Your CV Accuracy

Putting an emphasis on the significance of providing up-to-date contact details, as it's a surprisingly common oversight. An outdated email address, a previous residence, or even a single missed digit in your contact number could lead to an employer being unable to reach you or assuming you are not within their preferred location.

It may also be prudent to have a friend or family member review it for you. A fresh perspective often catches spelling mistakes or formatting issues that might have been overlooked during the initial review. A second set of eyes can help ensure that your CV is error-free and presents you in the best possible light to potential employers.

CV Writing Tip 6 – Research for Personalisation and Professionalism

When applying directly to a company, take the extra step to find out the name of the person who will be conducting the interview. You can call the company and inquire about the contact's name, or conduct online research through platforms like LinkedIn or social media to locate the appropriate person. LinkedIn, in particular, is an excellent resource for gathering business connections.

Personalising your application email or letter by addressing it to the specific interviewer demonstrates your attentiveness and genuine interest in the job.

However, be cautious, as LinkedIn contacts can see who has visited their profile. Ensure your own profile is up-to-date and professional before conducting research on employers or employees through this platform. This ensures you leave a positive and polished impression during your exploration of potential opportunities.

Crafting an Impactful CV – Final Thoughts

As we've explored, hiring managers devote a mere 6-8 seconds to each CV they review. Thus, it becomes paramount for your CV to make a lasting impression and stand out from the competition. Double-check for any grammar and spelling errors, emphasise your key experiences, and don't neglect to keep your social media profiles up to date.

We trust that these top 6 CV writing tips have equipped you to create a standout CV that truly sets you apart. Should you require assistance with CV writing or job hunting, don't hesitate to reach out to our team today. We are here to support you on your journey towards landing that perfect job opportunity.