How Do You Make Your CV Stand Out?

It’s no secret that the recruitment market is tough. With more applicants than vacancies, you need to make a real impression on the recruiter if you want to stand out from the crowd.

A CV (or “Curriculum Vitae” if you want to get fancy) is the most important document you will ever write in your career. It is the document that will define you in the eyes of the recruiter and it will get you noticed. (and hopefully an interview!)

If you’re looking for a new job, then you may be aware that recruiters are swamped with CVs. In fact, some of them receive hundreds of CVs for a single job. So how do you make your CV stand out? Well, to help you out, here are some points that you should consider.

Let’s get started!

Include Keywords On Your CV

Make sure that you include keywords on your CV. Your CV should be targeted for the job that you’re applying for. This is because an ATS (or Applicant Tracking System algorithm if you want to get fancy) is used to screen CVs. 

• If your CV doesn’t have any keywords relevant to the job, it will get tossed into the trash.

It’s important to include keywords in your CV so that you can be found by recruiters online. Companies must hire people with the right skills, and for you to find the job you want.

 Your CV should be free of errors. The more keywords you use, the more relevant your CV.

Tailor It To The Job Description

To tailor your CV to the job, you have to make sure you understand the job description. 

You can do this by looking at the job description and highlighting the main responsibilities you can highlight in your CV. 

For example, if the job description mentions that you should have great communication skills (which it probably will), you can highlight the skills you used in your previous job or in your education to show that you have great communication skills.

It’s important to tailor your CV to the job description because if you don’t, chances are that the recruiter will not get past the first few lines of your CV, and if they don’t get past the first few lines, you won’t get a chance. 

This is where you can use that knowledge you learned and expand on it. 

Show, don’t tell.

Grab The Recruiter’s Attention

To grab the recruiter’s attention, it’s important to make your resume stand out.

It’s a good idea to use a clean, simple design. Remember to fill out all the sections and include a summary of your work history at the top. Your resume will look more professional if it’s one or two pages long.

The goal is to grab the hiring manager’s attention – they’re going to be sifting through a stack of CVs on his desk. He’s going to be looking for reasons to toss yours in the “no” pile. This is what you want to avoid.

• Consider your CV as a marketing document. You want it to sell you as a candidate.

Tell the recruiter what you bring to the table and why they should hire you. Talk about your skills, passions, and work ethic. 

Support Your Skills With Examples

To demonstrate that you’re the best person for the job, include examples of your work in your CV.

The CV should list your accomplishments and should be more than just a list of positions. Include relevant examples that describe how you’ve used a skill you’ve learned at school or a previous job.

Like this:

Skills: I have a strong background in writing, copywriting, and content creation, and I am experienced in marketing and public relations.

It’s important to back up your resume with examples of your skills. Your resume may get rejected by a potential employer if it doesn’t have enough content that shows off your skills and qualities.

Make It Easy To Read

It sounds obvious but it needs to be said.

CVs are very much like websites – they need to be scannable and easy to read. 

Your CV should be around two pages long, the information about your skills and experience should be adequately spaced out, and it should go straight to the point. It should also be free from spelling and grammar mistakes.

Use a font that’s easy to read and a document layout that’s easy on the eyes.

Don’t make it hard for recruiters to read your CV. Don’t use fancy fonts and don’t make it too long.

And no Comic Sans!

In Conclusion

If you have a CV that stands out from all the others, you have a better chance of getting in the door for an interview. 

The resume should have all of your most important job experience, as well as important skills and qualifications.

If you want to get hired, you must stand out from the crowd. The best way to do that is to create a really great CV.

A CV that recruiters can’t ignore.

A CV that will get you an interview.

A CV that shows off your credentials and abilities well.

Good luck!