HOW TO MAKE YOUR CV STAND OUT
I’ve read some questionable CVs in my time as a Recruiter. This has not only showed me how NOT to write a CV, but how to make it interesting. Yes, please still check your contact details, spelling mistakes, and whether the layout is easy to read, but much more goes into writing a CV that keeps someone’s attention.
Attention is huge when it comes to reading a CV, and I’ve found myself that I go through CVs at a fast pace because I know what I’m looking for. If it doesn’t grab my attention quickly, I feel inclined to move on.
According to Reed, you have 7 seconds to impress a recruiter with your CV.
Crazy right? It might be time to rewrite that CV.
SHOW MORE THAN JUST EXPERIENCE
Your experience won’t always speak for itself, but your willingness and ambition can really persuade a Hiring Manager. Your profile at the top of your CV should be filled with soft skills and your desire to learn/ use your abilities in a new role.
These things will enhance your experience and set you apart as being a passionate individual.
Show results more than responsibilities
Everyone can list the responsibilities, but not everyone can explain how they fulfilled those responsibilities. Usually, a Hiring Manager isn’t just looking to see if you’ve done the job, they’re looking to see if you’ve done the job well. The best way to showcase this is through emphasising your results.
Increased sales in your team by X%? Brought on X new clients? Say that.
Everyone loves data, because data proves more than just saying “I made an impact” or “I helped with XYZ”.
Let your CV tell a story
From your first role to now, your CV should be clearly highlighting your growth and where you’re aiming to take your career. New roles should equal new opportunities that encourage you to learn new skills, and take on a new role with new challenges.
When you don’t showcase the new things, it may make a Hiring Manager question if the role was of any use to you, or if you made any use of it.
Also, it’s important to note that perfection isn’t what most Hiring Managers are looking for. There’s an unspoken pressure to display yourself as a ‘know-it-all’ in your CV and also your interviews. Of course experience is important, but so is eagerness. Eagerness to learn from a new company, enhance approach to your work, and be open to criticism.
You may not a get a job due to lack of experience, but you may also not get it due to arrogance about your experience.
Adjust your CV when needed
Having one version of your CV that you send to any and every company may not be the right tactic.
Different roles emphasise different skills and qualities, so it’s crucial ti adjust your CV to emphasise those skills and qualities in yourself.
Read the last point and panicked because you don’t have the exact right experience for the role you’re applying for? Write your CV in a way that highlights transferrable skills.
- Written by Shannon Matthews
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