Template details:
CV tips for your Simple Purple CV/Résumé template
Choose our simple purple CV template/Résumé template if you’d like a classic looking template. It’s ideal for a whole range of job titles.
This template is so easy to adapt, you can use it whether you’re applying to be a kindergarten teacher or a bank manager! Just alter the headings and paste in new sections as you need them.
Of course, the key to a good CV or Résumé is the content. So let’s look at a few tips to ensure your CV or Résumé makes it to the top of your employer’s pile:
Don’t be cliché
DON’T make fluffy sweeping statements, such as ‘I work well on my own’ or ‘I am a hard worker’. Give evidence in the CV or Résumé that demonstrates these skills.
Remember, anyone can make a claim on their CV. It could be that they have a certain skill, or that they have great communication skills. But how is the employer expected to believe this to be true?
As the job seeker it is down to you to prove to the employer that you are credible. By simply stating that you are is not enough. Instead, you need to provide actual evidence. This could be with sales or revenue figures, or an example of a successful project.
Provide indicators of your performance, but remember to keep them relevant. Applying for a sales job would require you to provide previous sales figures. Applying for a role in the hospitality industry would require you to write a CV that demonstrates your fantastic communication skills. Examples of customer complaint resolution would also be welcomed by the employer.
Action speaks louder than words
DO use action words. For example:
- I achieved…
- I was awarded…
- I delivered…
- I developed…
- I enhanced…
- I established…
- I grew…
- I increased…
- I initiated…
- I inspired…
- I instigated…
- I introduced…
- I motivated…
- I overhauled…
- I rejuvenated…
- I transformed…
Would you like to see 185 examples of action words for your CV or Résumé? Click here for a complete run down.
When you use an action word, make sure you provide a specific example. For instance, don’t say ‘I overhauled the Company’. Do say ‘I overhauled the Company’s delivery system, saving on average £20,000 per year’.
DO use words that your employer might search for online such as the names of specific skills, qualifications or examples of experience that someone doing the role they are advertising might need. For example:
Use of particular software or systems e.g. Microsoft Word
Particular qualifications e.g MBA
For developers, use of particular languages e.g. PHP
Sectors that you have worked in, e.g. B2B, B2C, Finance, Legal
Awards and memberships, e.g. CFILEx
Write a cover letter
Remember that in many cases you’ll also have the covering letter to support your application. This is a good opportunity to make your case and explain any discrepancies on your CV such as gaps in employment or the reason why you’ve moved around a lot.
Here are some ‘Top tips on how to write the perfect cover letter for your CV’.
Get an extra pair of eyes
Ask a few friends or relatives to review your finished CV or Résumé template before you send it off to prospective employers. A fresh pair of eyes can be helpful, not only for spotting mistakes, but for identifying any questions that arise from your CV which you might not have thought of.
We do hope you enjoy using our Simple Purple CV or Résumé template and as always, we’d love to hear your feedback.