Your CV is an advertisement for you. It’s not your life story. Employers want to know you have what they want in the first few seconds they glance at it.
If you want to stand out, put your best foot forward….
1. Objectives are out, summaries are in. This is a short pitch about you and what you have to offer to benefit your future employer
2. Understand what the employer is looking for and give them a road map to follow your key skills, qualifications/training, awards, career highlights, career summary and work experience. This makes your CV easy to scan first and read second
3. Formatting is critical. Be specific, concise and to the point. Your CV should be no more than 2-3 pages
4. Use a standard font (Ariel / Times New Roman). Don’t use less than 10 pt size
5. CVs are written in the third person and they are written in past tense. You can put your current job in present tense but the rest should be written in past tense
6. Don’t lie. Titles, dates and education will be verified
7. Avoid gimmicks. Gimmicks may get attention but they can also be interpreted differently to your intention
8. If you are not getting interviews, have someone read the job descriptions you are applying for and then review your CV to see if each version is selling your potential for each role. If you continue not getting an interview consider using a Professional Resume/CV Writer or for Students, you can use My Resume Builder to help you create a professional CV the way employers like it.
You won’t match an employer’s requirements all of the time, so make sure you apply for roles within reach. It will reduce your disappointment.
All the best!
Kerri Peterson is a Director of My Resume Builder & The CV Company
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