A winning CV: Tips
This is the second blog in a two-part series. The first blog entitled ‘A winning CV: What to include’ covered what sections and information should be included in your CV. This, the second and final part of the series, will focus on tips for creating a winning CV.
Due to the competitive nature of the job market, it is highly likely that hundreds of applications will be sent in for one job opening. Therefore as a job hunter, you need to do everything you can to make your CV stand out in the right way. Here are some tips for creating a stand out CV that will shine:
1. Include all relevant employment information
It is vital for any CV to include all of the relevant employment information. This is your chance to show your potential employers all of the previous experience you have and the skills you gained from that job. Your previous employment history is the first place a hiring manager or recruiter will look to see if you are a good fit for their job. Therefore, don’t miss out on any relevant experience you may have gained as having it on your CV could be what sways the hiring manager or recruiter to choose you.
2. Use keywords
This is extremely useful if a computer is going to be the first critic of your CV as it will search for specific terms. Therefore you need to ensure that keywords relevant to your industry and the specific job you are applying for are included. For example, if you are applying for a video editing job, jargon specific to the video editing industry should be included as well as words like ‘editing’, ‘creative’, ‘time management’ as well as any of the software programs you are competent in. By adding precise and relevant keywords words the computer scanning your CV may pick up these keywords and accept your CV for the next round.
3. Don’t overcrowd
An overcrowded CV is an instant turn off as it can be difficult to read and look messy. Therefore, ensure that you use the space you have wisely. This is why things such as lists can be beneficial to use as it gives the recruiter or employer all the information they need in an effective a neat way.
4. Make it visually appealing
Gone are the days of a simple CV with black writing on a white sheet of paper. Therefore you need to make sure your CV is as pleasing to the eye as possible. However, there are limits to this as your design should be appropriate for the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a book illustrator position, using a more creative design with sketches can actually be beneficial as it visually shows your talent. However, if you are applying for an accounting job, you need to keep it professional. However, you can still use colour on your CV. There are many websites and applications that offer free CV templates to suit any profession. These templates are a great idea to use to ensure your CV stands out while remaining appropriate for your profession.
5. Proof-reading, proof-reading, proof-reading
I’ll say it one more time, proof-reading! This is an absolute essential when putting your CV together as there is nothing more unprofessional or off-putting than a CV riddled with spelling mistakes. Not all of us are English wizzes and therefore, might need help with our proof-reading. Therefore it can be useful to ask someone else to read through your CV or use applications specifically for spelling and grammar to ensure your CV is mistake-free.
*This is the second and final blog of the two-part blog ‘Winning CV’ series.
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