How to create a CV – the pancake way!

Photo by ORNELLA BINNI on Unsplash

Pancakes are simple and satisfying and that’s just how you should feel about creating your CV.

The trouble is CVs often get overly complicated or overlooked and they end up with too much information or not enough. 

I've created a simple recipe for you to follow so that your CV doesn't end up as flat as a pancake!

Here’s a traditional Shrove Tuesday pancake recipe:

100g plain flour
2 large eggs
300ml milk
I tablespoon oil
Pinch of salt

Put the ingredients in a bowl.  Whisk to form a batter. Set aside for 30 minutes.

Heat a small frying pan. Wipe the sides with oil. Cook the pancakes for 1 minute on each side when the pan is hot. Keep the cooked pancakes in a low oven as you go.

Serve the pancakes with lemon and sugar (or your favourite filling).

It makes 12 pancakes.

Sounds easy right?

Well so is making your CV if you do it this way!

Recipe for a simple CV (pancake style)

Step one: Gather up all the basic ingredients that you need to create the CV structure:

 

Your name
Your contact details – phone and email address

Career overview

Start with the dates with your current role at the top including the company and your job title.
Then the previous roles and companies.
Under each role added 2-3 bullet points to describe the responsibilities including a bit of detail on the reporting structure – keep it simple.

In pancake terms, yours are now sitting in the low oven keeping warm whilst you prepare to add the flavour!

Step two: Now you’re ready to start adding results and achievements. This is how to give your CV personality.

Think of it like squeezing a lemon.

this is your opportunity to share challenges, successes and grit!

Step three: Write a short overview of your career and a summary of your skills to go at the top of the page under your contact details.

Try using an elevator formula – what you do, who you do it for and how you make a difference/add value

Step four: Finally, you get to add the sugar - the finishing touches!
Check your spelling and formatting, then ask a couple of friends to read it for meaning.

And now your CV is ready to serve!

Enjoy your pancakes and if you need a gluten-free, dairy-free recipe - I've found one!

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Tracy has a unique approach to career success – a fresh alternative to traditional career coaching and executive headhunters.

Get in touch to find out how I can help you or your company.