Whether you are actively searching for a different job opportunity or simply starting your job search for the first time, getting your CV right should be the first thing on your priority list.
Hiring managers get inundated with resumes, and after they receive applications, they'll decide who they need to ask for an interview. Hence, it's essential to create a lasting first impression and instantly stand out from the crowd.
Tip 1: Self-assess
Employers are trying to find skills that match their job criteria, so self-assess yourself against the job criteria, analysing the role and skills. Use this to create a CV that is relevant to the position you are applying for.
Tip 2: Proofread your CV
Most recruiters agree that there are few things worse than spelling mistakes and bad grammar in a CV. Such mistakes could be a huge deterrent to hiring managers because it creates the impression that you do not have attention to detail – which is skill employers often seek in candidates. So always spell-check your CV after typing it out.
Tip 3: Keep personal details to a minimum
When writing your CV, it is vital to remember that it is not a social tool. So, whilst you will need to incorporate a short bio, it is not advisable to include your religious beliefs or political stance. Safe things to incorporate are hobbies or any volunteering work you've done - don't just put something for the sake of it, as this could dilute your resume.
Tip 4: Order your education and qualifications
One of the most common mistakes candidates make is ordering their qualifications chronologically. As tempting as this could be, you must always give prominence to your most relevant qualifications to the particular role you're applying for. This can be an essential part of your CV to an employer, so it is best to place it first.
Tip 5: Get the most from your skills.
When you list your experience, don't stop at formal job roles. Ensure that you include any software skills, applications, operating systems, and databases in which you are proficient.
Speak any foreign languages? Include them. have you ever taken part in work placements / voluntary work? Finally, list the talents you developed in each role – as long as they're relevant to the job!
Tip 6: Be truthful
As tempting as it could also be to exaggerate the reality on your CV, you must always be truthful. If you overplay your responsibilities or achievements from a previous role, this may get revealed at some point - be it at an interview, or you may find that you cannot deliver what the employer expects of you. So, it's crucial to explore the balance between selling and overselling yourself and provide an honest description of your contributions to previous job roles.
Tip 7: Make your CV presentable
When you're competing with many other CV's, you must consider ways to make yours as appealing as possible and you do not have to be a graphic designer to make your CV look good!
You can:
· Use colour (but remain professional)
· Create your CV that is easy for the hiring manager to read
· If you're delivering it by mail/hand, ensure it is not folded and never use a typeface
· Use bullet points, bold heading and underlining to differentiate the sections of your CV and aid navigation
· Maintain a logical order and keep sentences neat and to the point
· Try not to exceed two sides of the paper
Tip 8: Regularly update your CV
Your CV may be perfect, but that doesn't matter if a possible employer can't contact you! Forgetting to incorporate your contact details is a standard error candidates make. Always have your sign and email address and ensure your email address is professional and reflects your name, not your personality.
Lastly, even when you're happy at your current place of employment, ensure that you update your CV regularly. It is easy to forget your achievements and day-to-day activities if you've got to remember years-worth of details.
Comments