Your CV is a vital job search tool that helps you to get noticed by employers/recruiters and helps you to get an interview. This vital tool however can be difficult for some to put together in the way that it grabs the attention of the reader. The CV is your chance to sell your skills & experiences but it most grab the attention within the first 25-35 seconds.
No one knows your background & experiences better than you. Many job hunters can get the basics of their work and experiences down on paper in a sensible fashion. What most people who write their own CVs have difficulty with is making that sell to the reader. Here are six tips to help you make your CV sell.
(1) The Right Format
There are several formats that you can use when you are deciding out the CV layout for you. Most people will use the chronological format but you do have options. You may need a qualification based CV if you are entering the workforce for the first time from education. You may decide that you may need to use a functional (skills & expertise) CV or even a combination CV (mix of chronological & functional).
(2) No Errors
No matter how many times people are told to make sure there are no errors in their CV (spelling, grammar or incorrect information), it is still one of them most common mistakes. You need to make sure it’s error free so double check your CV and then get someone else you trust to review it for mistakes. Cut out the simple mistakes.
(3) Right Balance
Employers/recruiters need to know about your work history, skills, experiences & achievements to see if you are a viable candidate. However that does not mean they need to know every little detail. You need to find the balance of selling yourself but not giving too little or too much detail on your CV. Get the balance of the information you need to sell to the employers & recruiters.
(4) Avoid Duties Description
Employers don’t want to see your job description in your CV. That doesn't tell them if you are a good candidate. Unfortunately a lot of individuals find it difficult to avoid doing this. You should focus on the accomplishments you achieved instead in the job roles. How did you solve problems? How you achieved your targets etc. These things grab the reader’s attention. Back up your achievements with evidence i.e. figures, stats etc!
(5) Be Positive
You want your CV to be a positive piece of material. You should avoid anything negative on it e.g. failed projects, setbacks etc. Employers want people who can contribute, have a positive attitude, enthusiastic and have successfully performed similar job skills in the past. Focus on being and showing your positivity!
(6) One Size Does Not Fit All
If you want your CV to stand out from the crowd then just using the same CV to apply for every job you find is not going to work. This job search tool is most effective if it is tailored to the job you are applying for. Make sure you highlight all the things the employers are looking for (job requirements). Each job or employer may be looking for a lot of common requirements but there are some that are either unique to them. Be smart and make sure your CV evidences you meet their needs.
No one knows your background & experiences better than you. Many job hunters can get the basics of their work and experiences down on paper in a sensible fashion. What most people who write their own CVs have difficulty with is making that sell to the reader. Here are six tips to help you make your CV sell.
(1) The Right Format
There are several formats that you can use when you are deciding out the CV layout for you. Most people will use the chronological format but you do have options. You may need a qualification based CV if you are entering the workforce for the first time from education. You may decide that you may need to use a functional (skills & expertise) CV or even a combination CV (mix of chronological & functional).
(2) No Errors
No matter how many times people are told to make sure there are no errors in their CV (spelling, grammar or incorrect information), it is still one of them most common mistakes. You need to make sure it’s error free so double check your CV and then get someone else you trust to review it for mistakes. Cut out the simple mistakes.
(3) Right Balance
Employers/recruiters need to know about your work history, skills, experiences & achievements to see if you are a viable candidate. However that does not mean they need to know every little detail. You need to find the balance of selling yourself but not giving too little or too much detail on your CV. Get the balance of the information you need to sell to the employers & recruiters.
(4) Avoid Duties Description
Employers don’t want to see your job description in your CV. That doesn't tell them if you are a good candidate. Unfortunately a lot of individuals find it difficult to avoid doing this. You should focus on the accomplishments you achieved instead in the job roles. How did you solve problems? How you achieved your targets etc. These things grab the reader’s attention. Back up your achievements with evidence i.e. figures, stats etc!
(5) Be Positive
You want your CV to be a positive piece of material. You should avoid anything negative on it e.g. failed projects, setbacks etc. Employers want people who can contribute, have a positive attitude, enthusiastic and have successfully performed similar job skills in the past. Focus on being and showing your positivity!
(6) One Size Does Not Fit All
If you want your CV to stand out from the crowd then just using the same CV to apply for every job you find is not going to work. This job search tool is most effective if it is tailored to the job you are applying for. Make sure you highlight all the things the employers are looking for (job requirements). Each job or employer may be looking for a lot of common requirements but there are some that are either unique to them. Be smart and make sure your CV evidences you meet their needs.