9 Tips to Write a Successful CV
As a job candidate, your CV could be just the ticket to get you an interview, but how do you guarantee that your CV isn’t just thrown away and gets a second look?
Here are the top 9 CV writing tips to help you land an interview.
1. Keep it on point
As a general rule, the length of a CV should not exceed two pages of A4 paper. Employers only look at a CV for an average of 8 seconds, so sending them your entire life story is a sure way to get tossed into the “no” pile. Keep it short and to the point, and don’t go into too much detail.
2. Tailor it to the role
Everyone has been there. To save time, we usually send the same CV to a slew of potential employers. You need to stop this practice. Give some effort to tailor your CV to each job you apply to. Determine exactly which skills you should highlight in your interview with the company based on your research and the job advertisement. You don’t have to rewrite the entire document; simply change the relevant details.
3. Add a personal statement
Don’t assume that an employer will only see how your work experience relates to their job when you apply for a position. Instead, craft a one- or two-paragraph essay outlining why you’re the best candidate for the position. Moreover, your cover letter should reflect this too. For further help regarding your cover letter, check out the best CV writing service in the UK.
4. Don’t leave any blank section
Employers won’t give you the benefit of the doubt if you leave obvious gaps on your CV. While it can be stressful to be out of work for a long time, try to put a positive spin on it. Is there anything you’ve done to improve your communication, computer skills, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and even the ability to speak a foreign language? It’s possible to develop skills in unexpected sources. Let your employer know it.
5. Keep it updated
Whether you’re looking for work or not, it’s important to keep your CV up to date. Check your CV regularly and add any new skills or experience you may have missed. Candidates who go the extra mile to improve their own skills and experience are always viewed favorably by potential employers.
6. Avoid the common mistakes
Employers scrutinize CVs for errors, and if they find any, it reflects poorly on you. Giving employers an excuse to reject your application because of avoidable mistakes will not help you secure an interview. Don’t overlook the most common CV mistakes, either.
7. Be truthful
False statements on your resume can get you into a lot of trouble when an employer runs a background check and asks for references. You don’t want to start a new job only to have it terminated because you lied about something. You may find yourself unable to answer questions about what you claim to know at the interview stage. Moreover, this can lead to an awkward situation.
8. Presentation is crucial
We live in a world where appearance is everything, and that includes your CV. You need to spend some time making it look nice. Make use of bullet points and keep sentences to a minimum. You can use a simple graphic design trick to make the layout easier on the eyes by leaving plenty of white space around the text and between categories. Alternatively, make an impression with your cover letter.
9. Make it keyword-friendly
Keywords are absolutely critical when posting a CV online so that potential employers can find you. Your CV will stand out from the crowd if you use job titles and buzzwords. . A marketing candidate may list SEO (Search Engine Optimization), direct marketing, and digital marketing as examples of their experience and skills. Search for your job title on the internet and see what words are commonly used to describe it.
