Writing a CV can be one of the hardest parts of job hunting. Trying to make a strong first impression while standing out against the competition is no easy task.

As specialist recruiters, we see CVs all the time and know the common mistakes people make.We have put together our five top tips for creating a CV for the not for profit and public sectors that will help you stand out whether you’re applying for assistant  or Executive Director level positions.

1. Limit yourself to two pages.

While you may be tempted to list everything you have ever done on your CV, it’s a good idea to practice some restraint. Limit yourself to two pages, including the most relevant details from the last three to five years on the first page. Employers have limited time so by keeping your CV concise, highlighting your strengths and using bullet points instead large blocks of text you are showing them everything they want to see instantly.

2. Keep it relevant.

It may seem time-consuming to write a new CV for every role you apply for but making a few small tweaks to highlight relevant skills and experience will go a long way to helping you stand out in the not-for-profit and public sectors. Read the job description thoroughly and emphasise points that show you are the best fit for the role and the organisation.

3. Provide proof of your achievements.

When writing the career section of your CV, it is easy to get caught up in responsibilities and what previous roles involved. But, not-for-profit and public sector employers value result and want to see what you can bring to the team, so it’s worthwhile spending some time thinking about your achievements. For example:

• How you have contributed to an organisation’s growth, for example, by increasing revenue or website traffic.
• Whether you have delivered a project ahead of schedule or on a tight timescale?
• Any new processes you have put in place, and what difference they made?
• The size of the teams you have managed and leadership successes.
• Details of a five year strategic plan you implemented and its outcomes.  

4. Your connection with the cause.

While it’s not a good idea to write paragraphs about your interests, not for profit and public sector organisations are driven by purpose and want to see how future employees will help advance their work. Use the education, training and volunteering sections to emphasise any transferable skills you have and to show what the organisation means to you.

5. Check for spelling mistakes.

How you present your CV makes a difference. Before you click submit on an application, read your CV to check for spelling mistakes, grammar, and basic errors. While this may seem an obvious point, many of the CVs we receive from candidates contain easily avoidable errors, and you don’t want give employers any reason to discount you before they know what you have to offer. If possible, ask for a second opinion as we don’t always pick up on our own mistakes. A fresh pair of eyes may see points you miss.

 If you would like help with your CV or a copy of our CV template for digital, marketing and communications professionals get in touch with us at hello@thetalentset.co.uk or call us on 020 3887 4207.