Having the perfect CV is the first step to finding success and is one of the most important documents to finding the perfect job. Our economy is not doing too well in the past few years and many people are left unemployed. This is, even more, a reason to make sure that your CV does not leave you out of the loop. Your CV is the one thing that can help you become successful or end in more negative results.
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There are so many tips out there and some of them might seem a bit conflicting, which leads to even more confusion. We have compiled a list of the best tips to help you with this process. Often you apply for a job, there are tons of applicants. This makes it even more important to stand out from the masses. Here are those tips that are going to help you achieve your goal.
1. Industry Keywords
One of the most effective ways to make your CV stand out is to not have it thrown out before someone actually looks at it. With the developing software available these days, many recruiters have included keyword finding in their process.
This means that your CV will go through some software program to look for specific keywords. If those keywords are not picked up, you might not be considered.
Look at the company website and the job ad to come up with a list of powerful keywords.
2. Load It Online
If you really want to make your CV stand out, you can always load a copy online.
A great place to do this is on LinkedIn. It’s like Facebook for professionals.
There are many LinkedIn profile makeover services offered and might be worth the investment.
A LinkedIn profile writer will take your online resume to new heights. Once it is done, you can always keep it updated. Many employers are on LinkedIn and might just notice your profile.
3. No Generic CV
At the rate that life is moving these days, you might find yourself considering sending a generic CV for all job applications. This is a big mistake if you actually want to get hired. You are going to have to custom make your resume for every job application.
This shows serious interest and paying attention to detail. All traits that the recruiter will be looking for. You might add sections in your generic CV that has nothing to do with the position you are applying for, so always take a few extra minutes to avoid this.
4. Professional
Your resume or CV is not the document to get creative with. You are not going to stand out because you decided to print your CV on a neon green page.
Keep it to a white page with black print. This shows that you are mature and professional.
Trust me, the recruiter won’t appreciate all those glitters on the envelope. You can also find cheap resume services that might come in handy if you are not confident in your own abilities.
5. No Mistakes
Make sure that your CV does not have any spelling or grammar mistakes. This goes without saying, but sometimes we are in such a rush to apply that no proofreading is done.
Always proofread and edit your resume. Ask someone else to have a look at it as well, just to be 100% sure.
Of course, you can also find a spelling and grammar checker for your CV. By all means, make sure that all those errors are corrected before submitting your application.
6. Powerful Header
There are many people who do not see the importance of a header on a CV, but it can help you stand out.
Add a powerful and strong header that makes the recruiter curious about who you really are. This is a great way to get them to read your CV. It should be a statement with meaning and it should be hard-hitting.
I am not talking about an objective, but rather a statement. It might take some time to come up with one but think of a sales pitch. What would your opening line be?
7. Contact Details
I should not even have to mention this, but please do not forget to add your contact details. If you forget any other tip, this is the one to remember.
We get so into writing the perfect CV that sometimes it slips our minds to add our very important contact details.
If you are not always easily accessible on your mobile phone, add your email address. Whichever means of contact you add, be sure that you can respond in a good timely fashion.
8. Only Necessary Information
Seeing as it is required to summarize your CV to about 2 pages, you want to exclude all unnecessary information.
This is why it is so important to do a custom CV or resume. The information you might not need for one post might be critical for another.
Keep it short and to the point. If you are qualified for the position, you include everything surrounding those qualifications and experience. Leave the rest out for now.
You can always discuss it when called for an interview.
9. Bullet Points
The recruiter probably won’t read through a large block of text, but might find it easier to check out bullet points.
This is a great way to communicate information without the recruiter being distracted.
Get to the point and list only those points that might get your foot in the door. It is a very reader-friendly way of doing a CV.
10. Cut Out The Microsoft Office Section
Gone are the days when you could impress a recruiter with your knowledge of Microsoft Office.
I think we are far past those days and mentioning it won’t score you any points.
Use that space for something more impressive like previous work experience. By now, most 10-year-olds are proficient in Microsoft Office, so mentioning it might even be detrimental.
