Employers receive huge numbers of CVs for each job they advertise and thus spend, on average, just 7 seconds reviewing each one. If you want to be one of the lucky few who are shortlisted for an interview, check out these 3 ways to make your CV stand out from the crowd:
- Start strong
If you want the recruiter to select you for an interview, you need your CV to pique their interest from the start. Your personal profile is therefore one of the most important sections on your CV, providing a summary of your key skills and accomplishments in just a few lines.
Despite the need to be brief however, you must resist the temptation to be shy. Your CV is your sales document to persuade the recruiter to invite you to an interview – so don’t hold back, sell yourself!
- Maximise readability
Remember these basic tips when putting together your CV:
- It should be informative but concise – no more than 2 sides of A4
- Use lots of white space around the text so it’s easy to read
- Ensure there’s a clear structure by using bullet points and headings
- Make sure there are no typos or grammatical errors – check for these thoroughly and ask a friend or relative to check too
- Tailor your CV to the job
A lot of people have a general CV which they use to apply for every position. However your CV is not a ‘one size fits all’ document. You need to tailor it to each role you’re applying for, thus ensuring the skills and experience you highlight are the most relevant. In this way the recruiter is able to see how you match up to the position they’re advertising.
Use the job description, and the company website to help you with this task and be sure to include some keywords. Recruiters often use keywords to search for candidates, so considering what required skills and duties are listed and including some (not all!) of these in your CV can be helpful.
Creating a CV that stands out from the crowd can be time-consuming but it’s your opportunity to make a great first impression to the recruiter and will help you to land that interview!
Want to find out more?
Contact me to book a free, no obligation 30 minute consultation where I can explain how I can help you to create a compelling CV.
