How do you create a hospitality CV that will stand out from the rest?
Applying for hospitality or events jobs can be a time-consuming process. You are competing with many other passionate hospitality professionals who want the same job just as much as you. To get you started, here are a few tips on how to create a hospitality CV.
1. Layout is the key
The first thing a potential employer notices when they pick up your resume will be the layout. So think about it – is your CV hard to read? Are there too many colours and strange fonts on it? Is the font too small? Fancy formatting just clutters your CV, and one that is too difficult to read will more often than not go straight into the ‘no’ pile. It’s also important to remember to keep it short, no more than 2-3 pages and always send it in a PDF format.
2. Check your contact details
It seems obvious, doesn't it? But ensuring that you have included your correct contact details is a must, especially if you are applying for a job while on a working holiday visa. Ensure your Australian phone number and email are easy to find at the top of your CV.
3. What about a photo?
Including a profile shot on a resume is a debatable topic. Some employers agree that a photo is included while others debate that it's not necessary. Including one is completely up to you as a candidate, but when applying for hospitality or event jobs it’s important to remember that you are applying to work in an industry where presentation is a priority, so make sure if you do include a photo it is a professional looking pic.
4. Paint a picture
Your resume should read like a story of your experience, so it needs a logical start and finish. Start with your most recent experience and work backwards. Make sure the dates of your previous roles are listed and where appropriate, explain any lengthy absences from the workforce. It helps to continually update your experience and skills on your resume, even if you are not currently undertaking a job search. That way when the time comes to find a new role, most of the hard work will already be done.