A cracking CV can be the ddifferent between getting a job and not getting that phone call. Here are the best tips to get you hired.
The job industry seems to be getting more competitive by the minute. 32.9% of current employment seekers struggle to find positions that meet their salary expectations. Another 18.8% do not hear back from employers after applying.
Having a strong CV can not only help you hear back from an employer, but it could potentially get you the salary that you deserve.
Basic CV Rules
Before you get too fancy with your resume, let’s start with the basics. You must spell check your CV. Read it over a few times and use a spell checker such as Grammarly.
You can always ask a friend or family member to take a final look as well.
Make sure to list only your most relevant jobs. If you babysat in high school and are applying for an office job, consider keeping it off your resume.
Unless you can make your position sound relevant, or if it got you outstanding recognition, consider swapping it out for something more substantial.
If you don’t have enough jobs to pick and chose from, word your responsibilities for each position mindfully.
Never lie on a resume, but be creative in how you describe menial tasks. Don’t be afraid to sell yourself and show off your strengths.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Let’s face it; there are only so many ways you can phrase ‘administrative tasks,’ ‘data entry,’ ‘customer service,’ etc.
A good CV doesn’t just read well; it should also look good. Make sure to pick a simple yet aesthetically pleasing design. Keep it clear, concise, and pay special attention to spacing.
Avoid trying anything too complicated or stylized unless it is relevant to the position.
If you are applying to be a graphic designer, for example, you could get away with a funky resume. Just don’t let formatting distract from the important information.
It is generally best to avoid adding too many personal details, especially when they don’t apply to the job you want.
However, including an interesting tid-bit or two that may indicate a desirable trait or unusual skill could catch a potential employer’s eye.
Keep the most impressive points “above the fold.” In marketing speak, this refers to whatever you see on the front half of a folded newspaper.
Even though you are likely sending your CV in electronically, keep in mind that the employer may not have the time to read everything you have written.
That’s why you need to get their attention right away.
Take it One Step Further
Chances are, you are applying to different positions in various field of work. Some previous job experience may be more relevant to one than they are to another.
It is a good idea to personalise your CV for every job you apply for. This sounds tedious, but it can make all the difference.
Plus, if you can’t be bothered to take the time to apply mindfully to a particular position, you may want to consider whether it’s the right job for you.
Keep a master list of all your previous job experiences at hand to make it easy for you to copy and paste into your CV template.
If you save different templates such as Writing CV, Assistant CV, etc., make sure to rename them to just your name before submitting.
While it is a good practice to apply for various positions, it may look bad if your employer thinks you’re not focused on a specific career path.
If you take the time to write a unique resume for every position, take an extra minute to look at the job requirement.
Consider rephrasing your past experiences to match up with any keywords in the job description.
Again, make sure not to make anything up. However, changing a single word by using a synonym could make a difference.
Putting together a great resume is something that anyone can do with a bit of time and patience. It is your one chance to make a great first impression, so you should take it seriously.
Ensure that you have spelt everything correctly and that it looks good at first glance.
Present yourself in the best light possible. Keep it honest but don’t be afraid to brag a little. After all, the goal is to stand out for the right reasons.
Now you’ve improved your CV, it’s time for the cover letter. Here are the best tips to stand out from the crowd.
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