Writing a great CV can be one of the most challenging parts of job hunting.
Due to the time shortage, most recruiters scan each CV just a few seconds before sticking it in the 'Yes' or 'No' pile.
Today's blog lists the top 8 tips for writing a CV to secure a vital interview.
1. Show off your experience
Use solid and positive language under the work history and experience sections, such as "achieved," "developed," and "organized." Try to connect your skills to the role you're applying for. For instance: "This past work experience of mine involved working in a team," or "This job involved planning, organization, and leadership as I was responsible for a team of people."
Get to grips with the valuable experience and skills you have gained from past roles.
Pro Tip: List your experience in reverse chronological order. This is a must!
2. Demonstrate your achievements in numbers
Imagine that you are an HR manager at a company you are trying to become an employee of. Who would you pick, a job seeker who exemplifies their success with numbers or one who doesn't?
Including any tangible result you achieved in your past roles indicates that you can actually get the job done and are worth counting on.
3. Delivery is crucial
A successful resume is always presented delicately and has a clean, sophisticated design. The layout should always be aesthetically pleasing and well-structured to be easily understood. CVs should always be balanced and have a consistent font.
Pro Tip: Always keep in mind the CV hotspot – the upper middle of the first page. That's where the recruiter's eye will naturally fall, so ensure you include your most essential information there.
4. CV should include up to two pages
A clear and concise CV makes every critical point without waffling. You don't need numerous pages – keep things short and precise. A resume is a reassurance to a potential employer. And if everything is satisfactory, there's a better chance of reaching a job interview stage. Besides, employers receive numerous resumes, so it's unlikely they'll read each word for word. Most will judge a CV within sections, so stick to no more than two pages of pdf or a Word document.
5. Comprehend the job description
The clues are in the vacancy description, so read the details carefully. Take notes and highlight all the boxes you can tick. With the areas where you're lacking, fill in the blanks by adapting the skills you have. For example, suppose the job in question requires someone with sales experience. In that case, nothing stops you from using any retail work you've undertaken. It will showcase the skills you do have and show how they're transferable.
Pro Tip: Avoid using buzzwords to describe your expertise and skillset. Stand out with original words that best describe you!
6. Tailor the CV to the vacant position
When you've established what the job requires and how to match each requirement, create a CV specifically for that position. Keep in mind that there's no such thing as a generic resume. Every CV you send to a potential employer should be tailored to that role, so be active and hope that a general CV will work as it won't.
Create a unique resume for every job you apply for. You won't have to re-write the whole thing; adapt the details so they're relevant.
7. Showcase your skills
Under the skills section of your CV, remember to mention critical skills that can help you to stand out from the crowd. These could include communication skills, computer skills, teamwork, problem-solving, or even speaking a foreign language.
8. Remember to mention your interests
Many job seekers overlook the Interests part, but this is an excellent opportunity to emphasize the things that demonstrate skills you've gained and recruiters search for. Represent any examples of positions of responsibility, leading or working in a team, and anything that shows you can use your initiative. For instance, if you ran your university's book club or started a football team.
Include anything that proves how diverse, interested, and skilled you are. Refrain from including passive interests like watching TikToks or solitary hobbies that can be perceived as you lacking in people skills. Make yourself sound interesting.
Bonus Tip: Update your CV from time to time
Reviewing your CV regularly and adding any new skills or experience you have is critical. For instance, if you've just volunteered or worked on a new project, ensure they're included – recruiters are always impressed with candidates who go the extra mile to boost their skills and experience.
If you think that your CV is ready and set, send it to us!