The dos and don’ts to writing a CV, according to a recruiter
Being a creative doesn’t mean adding creative icons, says the expert.
A CV is the most important part of any application, though it is often what many of us dread. Whether you are applying for your first job, a part-time position, freelancing, interning, or shifting careers, your CV is the first insight employers and recruiters will get of you, so you need to make a positive impression. While some students question whether their weekend work in a coffee shop is worthy of getting a place on their CV, others question whether they need a single CV or several iterations tailored to every job they apply for. Many industry experts claim a CV must only be one page long, some are open to two-pagers, while others consider a portfolio or showreel as a sufficient resume in the creative space. Suffice to say, writing, or re-writing, your CV can be overwhelming. This Graduate Fashion Week, Graduate Fashion Foundation spoke with a recruiter from Denza, the international recruiting agency specialising in careers in the fashion industry to unpick the common myths around CVs. Here is everything you need to know about crafting the best CV to help land your dream job.
Recruiter myths
When it comes to job hunting, there is a plethora of platforms to help, such as LinkedIn, Fashion Workie, Business of Fashion, Graduate Fashion Foundation’s jobs board, the company’s direct website, Cision, and many others. There is also plenty of recruiters, such as Indeed, Denza, Cision, and You Seek Media, which can help find your next gig and support you during the application process. However, you shouldn’t have to pay to join a recruiting agency, insist Denza, nor should you limit how many agencies you sign up to. Denza’s spokesperson urges aspiring talent to sign up to as many recruiting agencies as they wish, as long as they are relevant to the sector they want to pursue.
What should a CV include?
Firstly, Denza’s represent emphasises the importance of having numerous CVs that tailor your experience and skillset to every job application. A CV must include relevant personal details, but make it concise. Denza’s insider reveals your full name, pronouns, contact details, and a link to your brand website, online portfolio, or Substack are crucial. Of course, a CV is not complete without details of your career. Whether you are including permanent jobs, internships, freelance projects, or passion projects on your CV, Denza encourages applicants to detail their relevant experience clearly.
“Bullet point skills or tasks in your role, who you reported to, if it is someone famous, if anyone reported to you and if you managed people.”
The recruiter also suggested putting SEO buzzwords that relate to the role in bold. This hack helps employers and recruiters pull out the key details and determine if you are a fit for the role. The expert reiterated that CVs must attract attention within the first 10 seconds, otherwise it will be dismissed. While it is import to detail the relevant career experience, the recruiter also recommends starting your CV with the most recent position first and working backwards to stand a better chance at proceeding to the next stage.
Additional sections to include
Some question how many subheadings to include on a CV, especially when experts suggest condensing the resume to a single-page document. While your job history is key, adding languages, software skills, and personal interests that are relevant to the position are worthy of a place on your CV.
“Languages are becoming more relevant for different jobs to communicate with collaborators in different countries.”
A CV can also feature a “Skills” subsection, but it must be relevant. “If you like baking, going for a walk, or drinking red wine, forget it. But if you are interested in collecting pattern books, and vintage items that is relevant”, shared the recruiter. Denza’s spokesperson suggests detailing any software or technology skills, such as InDesign, Photoshop, Microsoft Excel, CRM, as well as coding, pattern cutting or knitting, which are useful skills in the fashion industry.
What not to include on your CV
While some claim creatives should have an eye-catching CV with illustrations, icons and a playful layout to reflect their personality, Denza’s insider disagrees and recommends the opposite.
“A CV doesn’t need design icons, Instagram or other social icons, software images, or a graph representing a percentage of your skills. Use the space for the actual words to concentrate on your skills and to align with the job you are applying for. Make it a simple document so it is clear to read. You will find the more experience you have the chicer and simpler the design of a CV is.”
Behind the scenes of the hiring team
There is no denying that any applicant would love to be a fly on the wall when conversations around their application is underway. Whether a candidate has made it through the first interview, or has been rejected, many applicants would like the opportunity to understand what the employer or recruiter was looking for, what skills they met, where they can improve, or which skills they need to refine, especially as some applications are rejected without any reason. Denza’s represntative reveals that hiring teams utilise different databases, such as TeamTailor, which is an AI tool that scans every CV for keywords that match the job description to assess whether the candidate is a fit for the job. Therefore, Denza’s recruiter recommends including SEO words in your CV that are relevant to the role. They also emphasise the importance of a clear layout and structure to ensure the CV is clear to read, whether it is by AI tool or a human employer.
“If a CV is difficult to read, it may filter out your application”
Where to find your next job?
There are various ways to find your dream job. Denza’s recruiter recommends joining a recruiting agency, utilising LinkedIn, scouring a company’s careers website, but finding a direct person to send your application to is also recommended. If you struggle to find a direct contact to address your application to, Denza’s recruiter recommends calling the Head Office to ask for the best contact. When sending your CV directly to an employer or recruiter there are a few key pointers worth noting, but do not “overdo the email”, keep the contents short and sweet.
What to include in application email
Email subject line is a “mini CV”, so include your name and the job title you are applying for
Direct your email to a person, and avoid “Dear Sir/Madam”
Include a brief paragraph about yourself
Share your experience and summarise what you are looking for
Highlight your location, if you need a visa or sponsorship, and if you are open to relocating
Don’t forget to attach your CV and portfolio
Close with: “I’m looking forward to hearing from you.”
Portfolio tips
Denza urge creatives to send a teaser of their portfolio to the employer of six to eight pages covering two to three projects, which can also include personal passion projects that highlight your relevant skills. If the employee would like to know more, or see more examples of your work, they will ask, but avoid sending your entire portfolio. If you are wary of sending your portfolio and it being duplicated, add your name and contact details on every page, advises the hiring expert.
Extra application tips
Denza’s recruiter urges employers to assess the job against their qualifications, skills, passions and career goals.
“Consider: What type of experience you are looking for, what skills you have, what your personal DNA is, whether you need a visa, if you can travel, consider your finances, and if you are serious about this opportunity.”
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