Job hunting is tough, especially if you are at the beginning of your career path and have no idea of how it works. If you are one of those looking for a job right now, this article is for you. Regardless of how long you’ve been working on your current position, blowing the dust off your résumé might be intimidating. Not to mention the numerous technological breakthroughs in recruitment that might have occurred since your previous application. And you need to consider them all in order to succeed.
If standing out from the crowd of other applicants seems like an entirely different ball game than your traditional résumé building tactics have prepared you for, that’s because it is! But no worries — there is always a solution. And in this post, we are going to share with you the top tips that will help you create a winning CV that will not only introduce you properly but will also impress hiring managers.
Tip #1 — Tailor Your CV to Your Industry
Add your past job experience that demonstrates applicable qualifications. If you’re seeking a job as a newspaper reporter, the HR would be more interested in your talents as a college reporter than your skills as a babysitter. Include only relevant roles that demonstrate to your potential employer that you understand what they are looking for in a candidate.
Tip #2 — Add a Header, Summary, or Objective
Every day, recruiters go through a pile of resumes. So they may miss some important information hidden between the lines. Adding a header, summary, or objective to your CV can provide a quick overview of your qualifications, career goals, and value proposition to potential employers. It can help grab the attention of hiring managers and make your CV more effective in capturing their interest. The decision to include a header, summary, or objective depends on your career stage and the specific job you are applying for.
Tip #3 — Keep It Brief
Recruiters often sift through hundreds of CVs daily, and they have limited time to review each one thoroughly. A concise CV makes it easier for them to quickly grasp your qualifications and suitability for a role, increasing the likelihood of your CV being thoroughly reviewed. Focusing on the most recent and relevant experience in your CV ensures that the hiring manager can easily identify the value you can bring to a new role. By including only the most pertinent information, you can avoid diluting the impact of your CV with irrelevant details.
Tip #4 — Make Your CV Visually Appealing
While employers like well-designed CVs, ensure that your creativity is professional. Here are a few things to think about while creating a winning resume:
- Add a quality headshot — A professional headshot can help you establish a personal brand and make a memorable first impression on potential employers. Recent stats show that resumes with headshots are more likely to bring candidates to interviews. Use an AI service to create professional headshots for your CV in seconds;
- Choose the right font — Stick to clean, professional fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Avoid using decorative fonts that can make your CV difficult to read;
- Highlight headers — Use bold or a slightly larger font size for section headers, such as “Work Experience” or “Education.” This helps to create visual hierarchy and makes it easier for recruiters to navigate your CV;
- Consistently use bold typeface for accomplishments — Using bold typeface helps the interviewer to skim through the CV. It is well effective in emphasizing your field of experience and achievements;
- Utilize color and shading — Using color and shading for key parts of the CV can help highlight areas of importance.
It’s important to remember not to go overboard with the visuals, as too many graphics or logos can make the CV difficult to read. You can also check a couple of key design principles for a standout resume.
Tip #5 — Use Data-Driven Statements to Demonstrate Performance
Instead of attempting to sound like everyone else, use success stories to set yourself apart. As proof of performance, provide data-driven claims like “saved $400,000 with new workflows” or “eliminated 45% of financial discrepancies.” Thus, your résumé will capture employers’ attention and make recruiting managers want to contact you if you clarify exactly how you brought value in past positions.
Take It Seriously!
Your CV is more than just a piece of paper; it is a reflection of your professional identity. That’s why you should approach it smartly. Instead of just crafting a plain text and listing the companies you have worked for, prepare your resume strategically, taking into account the above tips. Link to your professional blog, YouTube presentations, freelancing work, open-source efforts, or design portfolio to add a personal touch. Remember that every detail affects your professional image.