Here are six steps to help you create the perfect CV:
1. Cut the fluff
Keep your CV up-to-date, especially with your most recent achievements, and make sure it’s clear and concise by only including relevant information.
List your experience in chronological order, and while it may be tempting, don’t leave conspicuous gaps. Be honest about what you were doing at the time, but present things in the most positive light possible. If you try to hide or disguise something, a potential employer is likely to notice.
2. One size does not fit all
Stand out from the crowd by researching exactly what the role entails, and then personalize your CV to show how you have those traits. Be specific and show how interested you are in the position by doing a little extra work. The hiring committee will appreciate it. Highlight the particular skills, experiences, and attributes that you think the organization will be looking for. To tailor your CV to a specific job, you may need to change a few words and phrases here and there, but the time invested can be well worth it.
3. Talk the talk
Shine a lot of light on your good qualities and relevant skills, letting go of all the negativity. Look for keywords in the company ad or job description and use them in your CV. You can also demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of your chosen profession by using relevant terminology, but be careful not to use too much jargon. Try to show competence, not arrogance.
4. Write it right
One mistake on your CV could be all it takes to get it scrapped. Use a spell checker, reread it, and if possible have someone else double check it.
You have very little time to make the best impression, so keep your language short and to the point. Use powerful verbs like accomplished, developed, and strengthened, which emphasize your accomplishments.
5. Cut it into pieces
Use bullet points, short paragraphs, and note forms, with a clear and logical layout, and only relevant information so that it is easy for the potential employer to read. When you do this, you will have a much better interview chance.
6. Look the part
Employers see hundreds of CVs, so you may be tempted to add a creative twist to yours, thinking it will stand out. Well, he will, but for the wrong reasons. Using many different fonts and styles can seem more amateurish than professional, and what looks good to you might be less appealing to someone else.
Use a professional, clean and clear font, all the same size, with bold to emphasize headings and subheadings. Leave white space around the text to keep the design pleasing to the eye. Print on good quality plain white paper. And above all, try to keep it to a maximum of two pages. Employers simply don’t have time to read long documents.
Remember, some employers can spend as little as 45 seconds perusing a CV before qualifying it as “no way”, “maybe” or “potential”. Take some time to craft your CV so that it falls into the “potential” category that will earn a second look!