Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) is your shop window, this is the very first part of you the employer sees. This is why it is important to get your CV in tip top shape so you can secure that Architecture job, Interior Design job or Property job.

As your specialist property recruitment agency, we are dedicated to ensuring our candidates have fully optimised CV’s, so we can score you that dream job. Here’s our top 10 tips of what to include on your CV.

1.) Design portfolio

If you are applying for a design role such as Interior Designer or Architect, employers love to see examples of your work. It is all good and well “saying” what you have done but as they say: “a picture says a thousand words”. As such it is a good idea to amalgamate a few of your top projects into one PDF document and send as an attachment alongside your CV. Do not simply send links as employers do not have time to sit and click through them.

2.) Software

In most aspects of the property industry you will need experience with several software packages from ArchiCAD to Adobe Suite and AutoCAD. When listing your proficiency, ensure it is written and no images used and state your level of capability. You may well be tested on your competence at interview stage, so honesty is the best policy here.

3.) References

Include two references at the end of your CV and state whether the recruiter can contact them prior to interview or offer stage. You should include at least one reference of someone you have worked with in the past such as a manager or co-worker. This person should have good knowledge of how you have worked in the past. The other reference can be a colleague from your most recent job, a previous job or character reference who is someone who knows you well like a neighbour or friend.

4.) Gaps and short periods of employment

If you have taken some time out of employment, for example to go travelling or start a family, detail this on your CV. You can use this “gap” to emphasise transferable skills that you have gained during this period. For example, visiting countries with exceptional architecture. Learning to juggle the duties of home life. Taking “time out” doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t learn anything along the way.

5.) Specific dates

It is best to specify “from” and “to” dates for your education and work history. These don’t necessarily have to be exact to the day, but the month and year is important. This helps the employer identify any gaps in employment and give them a chronological outline of your background.

6.) Job titles

Always include job titles for each company on your CV. Where applicable include multiple titles if they changed during your time with a practice. For example, if you were employed as an Architect and were promoted to Senior Architect state this on your CV in date order.

7.) Professional summary

Include a brief outline of yourself as an opening paragraph on your CV. This summary will set the scene for the reader. It can include your interests, key successes and specialisms.

8.) Professional training and membership numbers

If you have partaken in any extra training during your employment, including CPD, ensure you list this. It shows your willingness to keep learning and progressing in your career. Likewise have details of any memberships to professional organisations. These could include RIBA, ACA and CIAT.

9.) Social interests

Employers not only look for work experience, they also want to see that your personality fits the team. You can do this by mentioning your social interests. Be careful not to make this section too big and think of interests that can be transferable to a role. This could include, keeping up with Interior Designs trends, travelling to famous landmarks, etc, etc.

10.) Label strengths, goals and achievements

A CV in a place where blowing your own trumpet is more than acceptable – so get those big achievements down on paper now. Have you brought in a number of large clients? If so note this down and the outcomes of the project(s). Do you have an exceptional eye for detail? Great – include this! Whatever your strengths or successes, keep it brief but get it on your CV.

Once your CV is at the top of it’s game it is time to start making those all-important applications.

Why not let us do the hard work of finding a job for you so you can concentrate on interview techniques and career wins. As an exclusive candidate, we can offer professional advice as experts in our field, time and cost saving solutions and a quality service. See more about us here.

To search our current jobs visit our jobs section and use our search function to find that perfect job in Interior Design, or maybe a job in Architecture. We also have a number of jobs in property.

Want to speak directly to the team? Great! Contact us here or on 01243 779789.