SJD's top five CV tips
Download our FREE Contractor's Guide to finding a Contract.
Errors - Terrors
Just one letter's difference! Don't let errors in punctuation or grammar be the reason for you not getting that contract. Clients and recruiters are always looking for ways to weed out poor or weak CV's; give yours a fighting chance by getting the basics right. Get friends to read it for you, spotting your own mistakes isn't always easy.
Two pages not ten
There has been lots of research on how many pages the perfect CV should have. All evidence points towards two. It's about getting the right balance between just giving enough information to ensure the client wants to find out more about you and not too much so they get boring reading it. Think of the difference between 'brochure copy' and 'advertising copy' - in CV terms brochure copy allows the client to decide there and then if you're the right candidate for the job without even seeing you. Advertising copy gives just enough information to tease and ensure they call you in to find out more.
It's a CV not a job description
Your CV must be full of successes; explain not only what you've done but also how successful you've been. In the contract world this is even more important as clients are looking for winners and achievers. People who have a track record of delivering results are most likely to get that interview.
Does one size fit all?
No, of course not, one size rarely fits anybody. Your CV shouldn't be a mass produced item, it should be tailored to meet the needs of each role you're applying for. Yes you have numerous skills and experiences, but it doesn't mean they are all relevant for the position you're applying for. Some but not all job boards and recruiters do allow different CV's to be submitted, look out for these sites and use the facility whenever possible.
Been travelling recently?
Time out of work on a CV can be a good thing, if sold correctly, it can show depth of character. If you've been off travelling around the world, provide a few details of the skills needed for such a journey e.g. project management skills, self motivation, teamwork, leaderships skills, communication skills etc. It's better to have full continuity on your CV, gaps aren't good, it's better for you to say what you've been up to rather than letting the client come up with their own conclusions.
Plus one extra, it was just too hard to keep it to five!
Make sure your CV is outstanding and irresistible.
Your CV can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Spend time on getting it right, companies spend millions on packaging to try and tempt you in the supermarket, make sure your CV does the same for you.
You may also find the following useful:
Thinking of contracting for the first time
Limited or Umbrella Company can't decide
SJD's Accountancy Service for Contractors and Freelancers.
Step-by-step Guide to Contracting through your own Limited Company.
SJD Accountancy
SJD Accountancy are the UK's largest specialist provider of fixed fee, limited company accountancy services to contractors; we've been acting for contractors across the UK since 1992 and have more than 11,000 clients.
We are the only National specialist firm of accountants with offices in all major UK cities so you’ll never be far from your accountant. SJD also have more qualified staff than any other firm in our market with qualifications from the following major tax and accountancy bodies - ATII, ATT, ACCA, CA, ACA, FCCA, ACMA. You’ll also be pleased to know that we are one of the lowest priced as well.
SJD have also won every relevant industry award possible, including:
- The British Accountancy Award Winners 2011 for ‘Accountant of the Year’.
- Winners of the Accountancy Age Awards for Excellence in 2007 and 2004, finalists in 2010 and all years since 2003.
- Four time winners of the 'Best Contractor Accountant' award voted for by visitors to Contractor UK 2010 to 2007.
- Winners of the "Sunday Times Best Small Companies to Work For in the UK" Award, achieving the highest position ever for a firm of accountants.
- 'Excellence in Customer Service' - Finalists National Chamber of Commerce Awards 2008.
- 'Business of the Year' - Finalists National Chamber of Commerce Awards 2008.
- 'Outstanding Three Star Status' - Best Companies Accreditation 2009.
- Award for 'Customer Commitment' at the Institute of Customer Service UK Customer Satisfaction Awards 2011.
- Deemed PCG Accredited Accountants and fully MSC compliant.
- UK Customer Experience Award for 'Best Professional Team of the Year' 2011.
We offer all clients:
Free face-to-face meetings. This is another unique service, only SJD offers free face to face meetings - tax is complicated and sometimes only a meeting will do.
Unlimited access to your own dedicated accountant. No call centres, no outsourcing, no automated call handling. Simply telephone, e-mail or meet your own dedicated accountant face to face.
Money back service guarantee. All your telephone calls and e-mails will be answered the same day or we will refund your monthly fee's.
Outstanding reputation. We have won more awards for customer service and accountancy excellence than any other firm in our market.
All inclusive low cost monthly package which includes completion of accounts, payroll bureau, dividends and corporation tax computations, personal taxation, free bookkeeping software, unlimited access to your accountant and all company returns.
All this for a fixed monthly fee of £110 plus VAT, which is one of the lowest prices in the market. And most importantly, in a recent survey 98% of our clients rated SJD as 'better than other accountants' - we are working hard to convince the other 2%!
If you have any question about contracting or would like any further advice please either contact your SJD Accountant or call our new client services helpdesk on 0500 152500 / 01442 275789 or e-mail nikki.hanlon@sjdaccountancy.com.
Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!
You may also find the following pages, guides and case studies useful:
Take home pay calculator - How much could you be taking home
Contractor FAQ - All your frequently asked questions and their answers
First time Contracting or Freelancing? - A summary of the alternatives along with pros and cons
Choosing an accountant - For a full review
Step-by-step Guide to Contracting - Download a FREE copy of our guide
Limited or Umbrella? Can't decide? - We help you decide which is best for you
Guide to Contracting - All the best guides to contracting in one place
Expenses Guide - Know exactly what you can claim
Umbrella company guide - Everything you ever wanted to know about umbrella company services
IR35 Guide - A great plain English guide to IR35.
