How To Create A CV That Gets Noticed.

Your CV is more than simply an overview of your work history in the job market of today; it's your first impression.

It only takes recruiters an average of 6-7 seconds to scan a CV, you want to make sure yours stands out. Here's how to write a CV that will get you attention and an interview.

Start With A Strong Personal Statement:

Your personal statement is going to be the first piece of information that recruiters and employers will see. It is your chance to introduce yourself in a few concise sentences. This section should highlight your key skills, experiences, and career ambitions. 

When crafting your personal statement, think of it as your elevator pitch, a brief yet impactful overview that captures the essence of your professional identity and what you bring to the table.

• Be Specific: Avoid vague statements. Instead, focus on concrete skills and experiences that are directly relevant to the role.

• Showcase Your Value: Highlight what you can bring to the company. What unique strengths do you have that will benefit the employer?

• Keep It Short and Sweet: Aim for 3-5 sentences that deliver a powerful message. While you want to provide enough detail to be compelling, it’s important to be concise and to the point.

• Tailor It to the Role: Every job is different, so your personal statement should reflect that. Adjust your summary to align with the specific requirements and goals of the position you’re applying for.

Focus on Keywords

As we are moving forward into the digital era being aware of how companies look and scan your CV is important.

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter CVs before they even reach a human recruiter (Especially if you're using third-party job boards).

To get past these systems, include relevant keywords from the job description in your CV. This might include specific skills, qualifications, or industry terms.

💡 Carefully read the job listing and incorporate the language used, particularly in the skills and responsibilities sections.

Highlight Achievements, Not Just Duties

This one could be obvious, but the many CV's that we look through as recruiters don't have achievements showcased. Your achievements should be highlighted as they are important and you shouldn't sell yourself short.

Employers are interested in what you have accomplished, not just what you were expected to do. Demonstrating your ability to deliver tangible results sets you apart from other candidates who may have similar responsibilities but lack concrete evidence of their success.

Use numbers, percentages, or outcomes to paint a clear picture of the value you brought to your previous roles. This approach not only highlights your contributions but also makes it easier for potential employers to understand the impact you can have on their organisation.

Keep It Relevant

One size does not fit all when it comes to your CV. A common mistake job seekers make is sending out a generic CV to multiple employers. This approach can dilute the impact of your application. Your CV should be carefully curated to reflect the specific requirements and expectations of the role you’re applying for.

Remove any experience that isn’t relevant to the role you’re applying for, and focus on the most recent and pertinent positions. This keeps your CV concise and ensures that the most important information is highlighted.

Recruiters and hiring managers typically receive numerous applications for each position. With limited time to review each CV, they are looking for candidates who clearly demonstrate the skills and experiences that align with the job at hand that, if it is too broad or unfocused may cause them to overlook key qualifications that could make you a strong contender for the role.

Use a Clean and Professional Format

A well-organised CV is easier to read and makes a better impression. Use a clean, professional font (like Arial or Calibri) and ensure that there’s plenty of white space to make the document easy on the eyes. Stick to a reverse-chronological format, starting with your most recent experience.

• Headings: Use clear headings for each section (e.g., Experience, Education, Skills).

• Bullet Points: Break down information into bullet points to improve readability.

• Consistency: Maintain consistent formatting throughout—same font, text size, and alignment.

Include a Skills Section

A dedicated skills section allows recruiters and employers to quickly see what you bring to the table. Include both hard skills (like software proficiency or language skills) and soft skills (like leadership or communication abilities).

Example:

Skills

• Project Management: Expertise in Agile methodologies and team leadership.

• Technical Skills: Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, Google Analytics, and SQL.

• Languages: Fluent in English and French.

As we mentioned in the previous section, many companies are using ATS systems to scan your CV's, they will pick up on your skills and match you to the relevant job. If they're not in line with the job your applying for you could be automatically rejected based on this principle.

Proofread, Proofread, Proofread.

Attention to detail can make or break your chances of landing an interview. Spelling and grammar mistakes on your CV may seem minor, but they can be significant red flags to recruiters and hiring managers.

These errors suggest a lack of care, diligence, or professionalism, which could lead potential employers to question your suitability for the role. To avoid this, it’s crucial to meticulously proofread your CV to ensure it is error-free.

Less is More:

The ideal CV strikes a balance between providing enough detail to showcase your qualifications and achievements while remaining concise and easy to navigate. For most professionals, a CV should be no longer than two pages. This standard length ensures that your CV remains focused, relevant, and digestible for recruiters who may be reviewing dozens or even hundreds of applications.

Recruiters and hiring managers typically spend just a few seconds initially scanning each CV. If your document is overly long or packed with excessive information, key details may be overlooked, and the overall impact of your CV could be diminished.

A concise, well-organised CV highlights your most important qualifications and ensures that the most relevant information is easy to find, making a stronger impression on the reader.

• Prioritise Relevance: Focus on including information that is directly relevant to the role you’re applying for.

• Use Bullet Points: Bullet points are a great way to present information in a clear and concise manner.

• Be Selective with Detail: While it’s important to highlight your achievements, not every task or responsibility needs to be included.

• Consider a Summary: If your experience is extensive, consider adding a brief career summary at the beginning of your CV.

• Early Career Professionals: If you’re early in your career or have recently graduated, a one-page CV is perfectly acceptable.

• Trim Redundancies: Avoid repeating similar roles or experiences. If you’ve held multiple positions with similar responsibilities, summarise them collectively rather than detailing each one separately.

Keep it Updated

So you’ve finally put your #OpenToWork badge on LinkedIn, signalling to the world that you’re ready for your next career move. You send your CV to a recruiter, eager to make a great impression—but then you realise it hasn’t been updated in over three years?!

This scenario is more common than you might think, and it underscores the importance of regularly updating your CV with new skills, experiences, and achievements. By keeping your CV current, you ensure that when opportunities arise, you’re fully prepared to exhibit your most recent accomplishments without scrambling to recall details or make last-minute edits.

• Capture Details While They’re Fresh: It’s easy to forget specific accomplishments, projects, or details as time passes. By updating your CV regularly, you ensure that these important aspects of your work are accurately recorded while they’re still fresh in your mind.

• Display Your Growth: As you gain new skills, take on new responsibilities, or achieve new successes, updating your CV allows you to demonstrate your ongoing professional development. This is particularly important when applying for more senior roles or seeking a promotion.

• Reflect Changing Career Goals: Your career goals and interests may shift over time. Regularly updating your CV gives you the chance to refine your personal statement, adjust your skills section, and ensure that your CV reflects the direction you want your career to take.

• Stay Prepared for Unexpected Opportunities: Opportunities can come at any time. Having a current CV means you’re always ready to apply for a new role, submit your details for a promotion, or take advantage of a networking connection. It’s a proactive way to manage your career.

Sync Your Linkedin Profile

While we're on the topic of Linkedin, it's a no-brainer that your Linkedin should reflect your CV. In fact, they should mirror each other.

Consistency across both platforms builds credibility and ensures that you’re presenting a unified professional image. Recruiters often cross-check your CV with your LinkedIn profile, so discrepancies can raise concerns.

• Builds Credibility: Consistent information across your CV and LinkedIn profile reinforces your professional narrative.

• Avoids Confusion: Matching both profiles prevents potential misunderstandings or questions from recruiters.

• Regularly Update Both: Ensure that any changes made to your CV are reflected on LinkedIn.

• Match Key Information: Ensure job titles, dates, and descriptions are consistent.

• Reflect Recent Achievements: Update both platforms with new skills and accomplishments as they occur.

You've done it! You've created the perfect CV!

Your CV is your ticket to getting noticed in the job market. By crafting a clear, concise, and well-structured document that highlights your skills and achievements, you increase your chances of landing an interview.

Remember to tailor your CV for each application, use relevant keywords, and present your information in a way that’s both professional and easy to read. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a CV that stands out from the competition.

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