Your C.V. is a hiring manager's first impression of you; so it needs to make an impact. Here are 6 pointers to get you started.
1. Keep it to 2 pages of A4
Keep it sharp & to the point. A hiring manager knows what they are looking for. They will likely do a quick scan for key requirements which can be lost in large pieces of text. Keep it to 2 pages to avoid losing your reader along the way.
2. Add achievements
Applicants tend to list what skills they have without detailing what those skills actually led to. List outcomes of the projects you worked on and talk in examples. Focus on how the projects you have worked on directly contributed to company growth itself. Quantify your achievements and support your examples with numbers where possible i.e stats and percentages, to highlight the real term contribution you could bring to your new company.
3. Where to place your most important information
A readers eye tends to fall on the upper-middle section of an A4 document first. Put your most relevant experience there and elaborate later on to hook your reader in fast.
4. Use assertive and positive language
Assertive language makes you appear confident and sure. Avoid 'uncertain words like ‘think’ ‘expect' and ‘believe’ Remember, if you sound sure, they will too. Use positive language like ‘achieved’ and ‘success.' Influence the mood of the reader with positive language to get them on board.
5. Tailor the CV to the role
Generic C.V’s lack targeted information & language specific to the needs of the hiring manager. Your C.V. needs to directly answer the points listed in each job advert you are responding to.
6. Interests and hobbies
This is a key opportunity to stand out over the competition. Managers want to hire people who'll be a team fit. Pick interests that further reflect how you work well in a team such as sport & hobbies that demonstrate initiative. Try to ensure your hobbies reflect the character of the person they are looking for. Steer away from generic fillers like ‘watching TV’ which can be perceived as an absence of people skills and drive.
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