Did you know that recruiters only take 7 seconds looking at a Curriculum Vitae?
First impressions are therefore critical and your goal is to make it easy for them to see that you have the qualifications they seek in an ideal candidate.
Whether you are looking for a job as an intern, part-time or applying for an eight to five job, how your CV looks matters. Here are a few simple but effective ways that you can make your CV stand out from the crowd and attract employers.
Use a professional format
A CV is your professional personality on paper. When writing, the goal is to make it as easy as possible for employers to identify the reasons why you’re a great candidate. Use clean fonts and readable font size. Refrain from using fancy colours that may take the recruiters attention away from the information that you want to pass.
Customize for the job you want
When tailoring your CV, make sure that its custom made to fit the job that you are applying for. To identify which qualities, skills and experience an employer requires, carefully read the job posting. Take note of the words and phrases they use to describe the ideal candidate and write down those that apply to you. If you don’t meet the exact requirements, list your related or similar skills.
Emphasize results rather than responsibilities
Instead of just listing your past responsibilities, make your CV stand out by emphasizing the results. In many cases the recruiter does not want to know what you were doing in your previous role, rather, they want to know what you achieved. Replace the “Roles” with Achievements/Accomplishments
Keep your CV up to date
Always update your CV. If you have new experiences, skills, or courses to add to showcase your professional development, then include them. Fill employment gaps with other experiences such as education or freelance work. This makes your CV attractive and could also help boost your chances of hiring.
READ: The Seven: Ways To Job Search Effectively In 2021
Highlight your educational details
This is an important thing in your CV. In the education section, list all of the relevant degrees, diplomas or certifications that make you qualified for the job. Put emphasis on this especially if you don’t have any work experience.
Check for any grammatical errors
After writing a great CV, make sure that it is free from grammatical errors. Reread, correcting mistakes as you find them. It’s also a good idea to ask a friend or family member to read it for you, fresh eyes and may find mistakes that you can’t see or are unaware of.
Remember, Your CV is a representation of who you are.
