Enhance your CV

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How to Enhance your CV

Writing your first CV can be daunting, but learn how to sell yourself to prospective employers
Credit: Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock

A CV is often the first thing employers or recruiters encounter during the hiring process, so it’s crucial to making a good initial impression. But what exactly should go on a CV? How much detail is necessary? And how can you make it stand out? These tips from industry experts will help you build your CV with confidence, getting you a step closer to securing your first job in travel.

Introduce yourself

Recruiters haven’t met you, so think about what they need to know to begin viewing you as a strong candidate right away. “Start with your personal details and a brief paragraph or two detailing your strengths, attributes and achievements,” says Owen McKeon, marketing and operations manager at C&M Travel Recruitment.

Then list each of the roles you have held in chronological order, starting with the most recent, including your job title and dates of employment. Break your duties and successes down into bullet points to keep it clear, concise and engaging, keeping in mind which aspects of the role best showcase your skills.

“For a marketing role, state which tasks you’ve been part of, or if it’s a customer service position, perhaps include some testimonials from clients who’ve been happy with your service,” suggests McKeon.

Go beyond the workplace

If this is your first job or you don’t have much workplace experience, think about skills you’ve picked up elsewhere, especially if they’re relevant to the role. In any industry, people skills are gold – have you volunteered at events, done any coaching or overseen a team project or presentation?

If you’ve travelled widely, include it to show you’re familiar with different cultures and can adapt to new environments.

Any qualifications, certifications and courses are a must, whether it’s specific travel and tourism training or something more broadly applicable, such as a language course, digital marketing experience or even first aid. Technology skills such as social media management or experience of building your own website can be huge bonuses.

Check your work

Don’t forget to check your CV and cover letter thoroughly for spelling and grammatical errors – it’s key to showing you understand how to communicate in a professional environment. Get someone else to read them and check for any mistakes or repetition.

When submitting your application, ensure the email is personalised and addressed to the right recipient.

Customise for the role

“Tailor your CV to the role you’re applying for and ensure you include any knowledge, experience, skills and achievements that are relevant,” suggests Vicki Wolf, head of education and career development at Abta. “For example, a prize for young entrepreneur of the year would be relevant for a role in sales.”

Rearrange the order and highlight skills to ensure the most relevant details appear first.

Make it personal

If the job requires a cover letter, grab the recruiter’s attention with a lively opening that highlights your passion for the travel industry and your suitability for the role.

Be sure to explain why you’re excited about the company or position you’re applying for, and show you’ve done your homework by highlighting what you admire about the organisation’s culture, mission or recent projects – it will help show you’ve really thought about the requirements of the role you’re applying for and believe you’d be a good fit. Then highlight your relevant skills, experience and achievements, showing the enthusiasm you could bring to the team. Finally, reiterate your excitement about the position,

invite them to contact you to continue the conversation and thank them for considering your application.

Top tips

  • Highlight your achievements: You’ve probably got more skills and experience than you realise, whether through school projects or extra-curricular activities.
  • Tailor your CV for each job: Do your homework and show the employer you’re not just a good candidate, but the ideal one for that specific role.
  • Keep it crisp and easy to read: Aim for a clean, professional layout that makes key points pop. Keep paragraphs short and use bullet points to break up text.
  • Don’t forget: Check your spelling and grammar. Get someone else to read your CV and cover letter for errors.