CV Writing for Creative Jobs

To get that creative job interview, you need an impressive CV. Below we have compiled a list of essentials for your CV. Some of the list is glaringly obvious, but you’d be surprised how many points are overlooked. So before you apply for your next job through BD Recruitment, take some time to go through this list and then update your CV; you may also want to take a look at the marketing jobs, technical jobs and creative jobs we have to offer.

General tips for writing an effective creative CV

Mention things that you are good at.
Don't mention things you are not so good at! It sounds obvious, but we interview many candidates with skills on their CV that they haven't touched on for years. These skills are often alongside the skills they are best at, so this is obviously very misleading.
Make sure that your CV reflects you, your capabilities and your achievements. If you do not match the CV you have written your application wont be going that far.
You can write your CV in the first ("I") or third ("he/she") person.
Try to avoid using abbreviations.
Run a spell check... then run it again.
Make sure your education (including dates and grades) appears before your employment history.
Put your employment history in order, starting with your current creative job.
Make sure all your employment and education details are dated (months AND years).

Why are CVs Rejected?

First impressions
First impressions count. You have 20-30 seconds to grab the reader's attention. If not, it's often game over.
Length of CV
Try to keep your CV to two pages and no more
Poor visual layout
Layout is vital in a CV. Use headings and section breaks.
Long sentences and paragraphs
Make your CV easy to read. Keep your sentences short and to the point.
Too little information
All too often too little information is given in vital areas. If a particular section of your CV is critical to the creative job/s you are applying for, make sure you don't undersell yourself.
Poor grammar & spellings
You should check and double check your CV for errors. Poorly constructed sentences or incorrect punctuation will make you appear lazy or careless.