Careers Guide | CV dos and don’ts

Do...

• Be professional and use language that resonates with the priorities and values of the organisation that you are targeting.
• Highlight your networks – whether that’s a grassroots organisation such as Museum Detox or a professional development body such as the Museums Association.
• Exemplify your skills (professional or otherwise) as well as your experience. Provide evidence of successes wherever possible.
• Summarise who you are in a short professional statement at the top of your CV.
• Look at the criteria of the job you’re applying for and share examples that show you match it.

Don’t…

• Send generic CVs – always tailor your application to a specific role or organisation.
• Share credit. Be clear about your role on a project and use “I” rather than “we”.
• Use abbreviations or sector-specific jargon.
• Be inconsistent – present information in a logical order, whether that’s by date or starting with the most relevant experience.
• Try to hide any gaps in your CV or short-term job roles.