Your CV is your personal brochure to advertise yourself to recruiters, so… why so bland?
With so many CVs vying for attention, it can be challenging to stand out. Follow these top 5 tips to create a stand-out CV and improve your chances of success in your job search.
LinkedIn is so much more than a social platform where thought leaders bang on about their top tips for optimising your resume and the like (just us?). It can also be a powerful research tool that helps you nail your job search because you can check out the hiring manager and team members, as well as company-specific language, hiring trends, and key project updates.
Here’s how it works:
You’ll want to make sure you’re highlighting these keywords and skills throughout your LinkedIn profile, and CV summary, job titles, and skills sections to really set you apart from other candidates.
While it's obvious to have a general CV that you can use as a starting point, tailoring your CV to each specific job you apply for can make all the difference. This means highlighting those specific skills and experiences relevant to the requirements of each job.
The best way to demonstrate your value is to list your achievements with jaw-dropping metrics. This could be anything from increasing sales at your previous company to leading a successful project.
These examples can include numbers and statistics that show how you have contributed to the company, such as:
Also consider how often you did these things and if there’s a noticeable trend or pattern to the work you do.
CVs are often written in a passive voice with short, bulleted sentences and vague language. Instead of simply reciting the duties and responsibilities from each role’s stuffy job description, use action verbs to describe your achievements and responsibilities. Examples include "developed," "implemented," and "managed."
To create a stand-out CV, you want to write with a punchy, active voice that cuts to the point and focuses on the specifics. (And ahh, by specifics we don’t mean everything and the sink, we mean, cut out the fluffy and vague language and be clear about *your impact*.)
Check out Harvard’s Resume and Cover Letter Guide for their list of action verbs.
It’s the most obvious tip out there, but even in the age of grammarly and Microsoft Word editor, candidates still do not proofread their CVs! Make sure you review your CV for spelling and grammar errors and to make sure your text is readable and makes sense. These small mistakes can make a big impact on the impression you give a recruiter (some are known to be ruthless!).
By following these top 5 tips, you can create a stand-out CV that will impress recruiters and increase your chances of getting an interview. With a little effort, you can create a CV that sets you apart from the competition and helps you land your dream job.
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