How to make yourself stand out
Think of your CV as your own personal marketing tool. It is so much more than just your career history on a page… from the way it looks to how it reads – every element comes together to form the first impression of you. As a candidate, and as a person.
The Basics
Clarity is key – Remember, your CV must be easy to read, concise and to the point. No rambling paragraphs here – get to the point, and quickly.
Punchy = perfect – Typically, your CV will be on a pile of other CVs, and so make sure that yours cuts the waffle and is easy to scan-read. So use short sentences and keywords.
Make it personal – Tailor your CV for the job at hand. Ensure that you have addressed each selection criteria which is listed in the job description. It seems simple, but many people miss this one.
Don’t embellish the truth – You never know who may know somebody else, or what will be fact-checked. So to avoid being caught out on a lie, the solution is simple – make sure it is factually correct.
This is not a diary – Make sure that you list your outcomes, achievements and successes – your CV should not be a list of your daily activities.
Be specific – Focus on what you can do for your potential new employer, include specific examples from the past that not only highlight a skill, but more importantly roots it in reality with a concrete example.
Data, data, data – Numbers talk, so make sure you always quantify your past achievements and experiences.
Check it once, twice, and then again – Never underestimate the importance od spelling and grammar. This costs people interviews all the time. Check your CV and pass it to a friend to double check with a fresh set of eyes.
Looks matter – don’t settle for arial font and a few bold headings. In today’s day and age you need to stand out. This doesn’t mean make your CV orange, but a few little touches here and there can make all the difference.
Format & structure is integral to the make up of a great CV
Start by preparing a list of your key skills and competencies that your employer will be looking for (read the job ad again!) Remember to be analytical – and honest – about yourself so you can identify your main selling points that differentiate yourself from your competition.
The Layout
First and foremost – Name, address and contact details. These should always be at the top of the page. If you have a visa which will need to be considered/transferred it is worth flagging this too.
Quick look – Include a snappy ‘Profile’ of around 3-4 lines which summarises you, your skills and your aspirations. Think of this as your LinkedIn bio.
Start with the most recent – List your career in reverse chronological order, which means beginning with your current role. Include: Company Name, Date, Role, Description of your achievements. Don’t forget that the start and end dates for previous roles should match up (and if you have long gaps – explain them). Also include both the month and the year.
What to include – Under each of job that you have included, have a short summary of a few sentences (max 3) and then include a bullet point list of key achievements, objectives and responsibilities. Do not include items that are irrelevant to the role you are applying for. As you would expect, the more recent roles generally warrant more detail.
Personal interests – If you are including this section, keep it short. It is good to show some personality through your CV, but listed dog walks and healthy eating is not a top priority. Also leave out the clichés like ‘Socialising’. Do not forget, all information you include should always have a purpose.
General details – Include a section with overarching details of your education (higher education only), programmes you can use (these days MS word is a given – do not write this). Remember to include other qualifications that are applicable to your career – think courses and training days – if relevant – these can add real gravitas to your application.
References – Include these, and be specific on who you list. If you are applying and have not notified your current employer, you can always write ‘References available on request’.