A 5-minute audio of tips just for you - on the layout of your CV.

We have honed this over 20 years, specifically for the legal market.

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Our tips, guides and advice are focused on Lawyers, but there is plenty in there that other professions can use as well

In addition - if you are concerned about being laid off, here is a useful article about being laid off and how it can boost your career (and what to watch out for).

https://globallegalmarket.substack.com/p/lawyers-why-a-layoff-presents-you

CV Template Tips

1.

Keep the layout simple, your contacts should be at the top are simple, and don't put "Curriculum Vitae" because people know what it is.

2.

Next should be a bullet-pointed section called Key Achievements

This is important - because the average CV is looked at for 7 seconds (it used to be 20 but people are like goldfish these days), so you need something that captures people's attention and makes them interested and will encourage them to read on.

In this section, you have a chance to really show off - to list all the things you have done and achieved that will really capture people's eyes.

It should be around Money Making, Problem Solving, Team Running, and Project completion, maybe where you have been promoted - you have no doubt, over your career, completed some really good work - some big budget stuff - and this is where you put it, so people go "whoa!" and read on

Use 7 bullet points max

3.

You need to put more details in bullet points under your most recent experience - in 20 years of service, 4 bullet points are not enough.

You really need to go into more detail - do not just list the duties - list the areas that you've covered (like System building or Problem-solving)

This is huge, you've done some great work, working with some of the most prominent figures, and this needs to come out

Remember - 4 pages are better than 3, 1 page is not enough

A few points

1. Repetition is ok - because most people will skim-read, and they will be drawn in by the KAs at the top

2. In your CV, try to show natural progression and promotions within your roles, and additional responsibility given as you gained experience - that is very good

3. Any covering email/letter should explain why you left and what you think you can bring to an organisation.

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