Getting job ready

Your CV is crucial – it’s the first document our recruitment team will review. To help you get it just right, we’ve prepared some top tips on what to include and how to best lay out your CV.

• Tailor your CV to each job:
  • Don’t use a generic CV. Customise it to highlight the skills and experience most relevant to the specific job description.
  • Use keywords from the job posting to ensure your CV passes through applicant tracking systems (ATS).

• Start with a Strong Profile/Summary:
  • This is your “elevator pitch” – a concise overview of your key skills and experience.
  • Highlight your career goals and how you can add value to the company.
  • Keep it brief and impactful (3-4 sentences).

• Quantify your achievements:
  • Instead of just listing responsibilities, showcase your accomplishments with numbers and data.
  • Use phrases like “increased service user outcomes by 15%” or “managed a budget of £X.”
  • This demonstrates the impact of your work.
• Use Action Verbs:
  • Start bullet points with strong action verbs like “managed,” “developed,” “implemented,” or “led.”
  • This makes your experience sound more dynamic and engaging.
• Maintain a Clean and Professional Format:
  • Use a clear, easy-to-read font
  • Use consistent formatting for headings, bullet points, and dates.
  • Leave plenty of white space to prevent the CV from looking cluttered.
• Highlight Relevant Skills:
  • Create a dedicated skills section to showcase your technical and soft skills.
  • Include skills mentioned in the job description.
  • Categorise skills for clarity (e.g., technical skills, communication skills, project management skills).
• Reverse Chronological Order for Experience:
  • List your work experience in reverse chronological order, with your most recent job first.
  • This makes it easy for recruiters to see your career progression.
• Keep it Concise:
  • Aim for one to two pages maximum, especially for early to mid-career professionals.
  • Focus on the most relevant information and eliminate unnecessary details.
• Proofread Carefully:
  • Errors in grammar and spelling can create a negative impression.
  • Proofread your CV multiple times and ask someone else to review it as well.
  • Pay close attention to dates, names, and contact information.
• Include Relevant Education and Certifications:
  • List your degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework.
  • Include the name of the institution, degree earned, and graduation date. 
  • If you have limited work experience, emphasise your education.

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but with the right preparation, you can confidently showcase your skills and experience. 

Here are some tips on how to prepare, what to expect, and how to make a lasting impression.

• Do some research on Cygnet. Understand our mission, values and the service you’ve applied to.
• Read through the job description for the role you applied for thoroughly to make sure you have understood what is required.
• Prepare some examples of your experience for each of the skills required in the job description
• There are common interview questions that you can prepare for such as:
  • Tell me about yourself.
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • Why are you interested in this position?
  • Where do you see yourself in five years?
  • Describe a time you faced a challenge and how you overcame it
  • Why should we hire you?
• Make sure you prepare a few questions for the interviewer. Don’t forget this is also your chance to find out more about the role and where you will be working to make sure that it is also a good fit for you.
• Arrive on time (or early). Plan your route to the interview and allow for potential delays to ensure you arrive on time.

Choosing a role that fits both your skills and your values sets you up for lasting satisfaction in your career.

While many focus on matching their skillset, it’s equally important to find an organisation whose culture and values match yours.

At Cygnet, our culture drives compassionate care and strong teams.

You can apply quickly via our online portal. You’ll need:

• A working internet connection
• A valid email address
• An up-to-date CV
• A contact phone number

We keep it simple -no cover letter is required unless the job ad says otherwise.