Writing a CV can be quite challenging. A good CV will likely attract a recruiter’s attention. But, a great CV will help you stand out from the competition and put you on the shortlist.
So, what do you need to do to have a great CV? You need to draft a document that will be as effective when someone scans it quickly as it is when they go through it carefully.
Your CV should be a document that tells your story. Put yourself in the shoes of the reader (or recruiter) and ask yourself – what questions would they have about you? Then, proactively address your questions and don’t leave anything to assumption.
We’ve prepared this guide to help you tell your story the way you want to and learn how to stand out in a sea of applicants.
Keep reading to find out how to write a CV and include everything a recruiter would like to see!
Recently, we ran a poll on our LinkedIn page, asking our followers whether they customize their CVs for every job position. The opinions were divided, but still, “no” received the most votes.
Even though it may seem like a lot of unnecessary work, you should take the time to customize your resume to each employer, the job goals and requirements. This will improve your chance of getting noticed.
Customizing your previous roles and responsibilities is recommended when writing a CV. So, make sure that the job titles and the responsibilities you include in your CV are relevant (if not a direct match) for the job you plan to apply to.
The same applies to any previous experiences (e.g., volunteering). Ensure your previous experience comes across as consistent and relevant to the job you’re applying for.
When describing their previous roles and experiences, candidates tend to focus on their responsibilities rather than achievements. After all, it is much easier to copy your previous job specs rather than writing something unique.
It is important to clarify your role and point out all the tasks you had to carry out. But, what recruiters and hiring managers love to see even more are your results and achievements. So, in addition to mentioning the number of clients, projects, and internal activities you juggled with don’t forget to mention what you accomplished on those and how you contributed to the company.
Ensure you highlight relevant educational certificates, especially if they’ve been listed as essential or desirable on the selection criteria.
When it comes to your skills, make sure to point out all the skills you gained or were required in your previous roles. Your skills will complement your experience and should ultimately illustrate your suitability for the job you’re applying to.
Once you get all the details right, you need to ensure that your CV looks good and reads well if you want it to grab the attention of a recruiter.
You want to make sure that your CV format is clear and consistent. It is recommended to use only one font type. If you want to highlight something – you can bold it or use bullet points (e.g., for your skills or achievements).
Also, your CV should run in clear, reverse chronological order. Try to remove any unexplained time lapses or inconsistencies regarding responsibilities you held or achievements you’ve included.
You may possess all the desired skills and experience to excel at a role, but if you don’t document them clearly in your CV, you may not even get the chance for an interview.
With a well-crafted CV, you are sure to impress, stand out from other candidates, and have higher chances of landing that job.
Did you know that we help all our candidates prepare for their interviews?
As a recruitment agency, our goal is not only to meet the needs and demands of our clients. We also look out for our candidates and make sure they find their ideal employer.
Once you apply to one of our open positions or you join our talent network, we become your representatives – something like your personal agents.
First, we’ll have a chat to get to know you better – your needs, skills, interests, and requirements. Then, we’ll match you with a company we know you’ll fit in with perfectly!
Before you have a call or meeting with your potential employer, we’ll be more than willing to have a prep call with you to make sure you ace that interview!
Sounds good? Drop your CV and we’ll get in touch!