When was the last time that you looked at your CV?
In the competitive world of job hunting, your resume serves as your initial introduction to potential employers. Crafting a standout CV/resume is crucial for making a lasting impression and securing your dream job.
In today’s article, we’ll dive into practical tips on writing an effective CV, covering formatting advice, key content elements, and strategies to make your resume stand out.
Before you click off this article and think “I’ve read a thousand blogs like this before” – we know! Take this as your sign (and a gentle reminder) to always read these types of blogs, as the world of CVs and job-hunting is ever-changing.
What do companies care about these days?
Every organisation wants something different: Concise or telling a story? Beautifully designed flyers or simple 1-pagers – it’s all dependent on the industry and role that you’re applying for.
Tailor Your CV for the Job
One size does not fit all when it comes to CVs. Tailor your resume for each job application by highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the position. Carefully read the job description and mirror the language used, emphasising your qualifications in a way that aligns with the company’s needs and values.
Create a Clear and Concise Format
Your CV’s formatting plays a crucial role in catching the eye of busy hiring managers. Use a clean, professional layout with clear headings and bullet points. Ensure there is a consistent font and style throughout and most importantly, keep it concise – a two-page resume is generally ideal, focusing on the most pertinent information.
Start with a Strong Opening
Begin your CV with a compelling professional summary or objective statement. This concise paragraph should showcase your skills, experience, and enthusiasm for the role. A well-crafted opening can instantly grab the reader’s attention and set a positive tone for the rest of your CV.
Highlight Achievements, not Just Responsibilities
Instead of listing job responsibilities, emphasise your accomplishments. Use metrics to showcase the impact you’ve had in previous roles; this could include specific projects you’ve led, sales targets you’ve achieved, or improvements you’ve made in processes. Concrete achievements provide tangible evidence of your capabilities.
Emphasise Relevant Skills
Create a dedicated skills section that highlights both hard and soft skills relevant to the job and incorporates a mix of technical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. This section serves as a quick reference for recruiters seeking specific qualifications.
Include a Professional Experience Section
In your professional experience section, list your work history in reverse chronological order. For each position, provide a brief description of your responsibilities and, more importantly, highlight your achievements in this section. Use action verbs to convey a sense of proactivity and impact.
Incorporate Keywords
Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes for keywords before they reach the human eye. Tailor your CV by incorporating keywords from the job description to increase the likelihood of passing through ATS filters. However, ensure that the keywords are seamlessly integrated and reflect your actual skills and experiences.
Show Your Personality Through Hobbies and Interests
While not mandatory, adding a section about your hobbies and interests can provide a glimpse into your personality and cultural fit within the organisation. Choose activities that reflect positively on your character and align with the company culture.
Lastly, Proofread Thoroughly
A CV riddled with typos and grammatical errors reflects poorly on your attention to detail. Before submitting your resume, proofread it thoroughly, and consider asking a friend or mentor to review it as well – a fresh set of eyes can catch mistakes you might have overlooked.