A CV is the first point of contact a Potential Employer will have with you as a job candidate. As such, there are never enough tips to create the best CV possible.
Your CV should be a priority when actively looking for work and no matter what position you’re applying for, it will make the difference between getting the job and being assimilated into the mass of the unremarkable.
Surprisingly, it only takes a few changes to make a CV more attractive without having to resort to royal blue coloured paper.
Do… Personalize Every CV You Send Out
It may be tempting (and easier) to just design a default document and simply send it out every time you apply for a job, but taking the time to research the Potential Employer, what they are looking for in employees and restructuring your CV accordingly, will help you get noticed.
Don’t… Make Your CV More Than 2 Pages Long
Employers and recruiters receive a lot of applications every day and won’t have time to read a CV that is 5 or 6 pages long. Keep it short, concise and most importantly of all, relevant.
Do… Use Empowering Words
When describing your job experience, use words that make an impact such as “co-ordinated” instead of “helped”. Using words that sound strong, as well as powerful, can resonate with the employer and create a better image of who you are. Words like “supervised”, “achieved” and “motivated” are more inclined to attract the interest of recruiters.
Don’t… Incorporate Negativity
It’s important to give a proper response when you’re asked for the reason you left your previous employer, but complaining about the company or your superiors won’t create a good impression for the interviewer. Instead of rehashing bad experiences and negative comments in your CV, and especially your interview, always find the positive side of the situation or the lesson learned.
Do… Include Special Skills
Try to mention volunteering work, special training or hobbies that display leadership, ability to work in a team or organisation skills. Yes you might be a splendid Bharatnatyam performer, but will it help your potential employer and his organisation? It’s good to always keep in mind that your special skills should be able to relate to the job at hand.
Don’t… Lie
This cannot be stressed enough. Don’t ever lie on a CV to get a position. You might feel desperate for the position and believe that a white lie might get you there, but don’t. Your reputation will suffer a great deal when that white lie is uncovered and your professional future may become uncertain.
These are just a few easy changes that will catch the eye of potential employers and recruiters, and they may just add that extra boost you’ll need to get noticed.
