It’s a great feeling isn’t it? Getting offered a role after weeks, if not months, of hard work. ❤️
While of course the process can, at times, feel like a long one; it always starts at the same place – your Resume. 📄
I am sure you already have a CV, everyone does right? But what does it really say about you? Will it entice an employer to talk with you? Will it really impress a recruiter enough to give you a call & talk about a role they’re working on? 🤯
If not – let’s fix that. After all, the competition is so high!
So, in order for candidates to secure roles that they apply for, it is imperative that their CV showcases their skills and experiences necessary for the job.
After all, until a candidate has a chance to meet with their potential employer, a candidate’s suitability is, (rightly or wrongly) based on the first impression of their CV.
So, where do we start? 👇
👎There are certain features that are not required on your CV:
❌Photos – no longer needed and exposes you to risk of discrimination.
❌DOB – With recent changes to employment law, data protection and the many instances of age discrimination in the workplace, this should not be visible for the benefit of all involved in the application, including you.
❌Number of dependents and marital status – again, data protection issues and could give cause to discrimination & also is not relevant in any way.
❌References – of course if you do get the job these can be obtained further if & when required. End your CV with references available on request.
❌# of pages – Your CV should ideally be between 2 & 3 pages long. Any more than this quickly becomes a chore for a recruiter, especially when they’re having to read through numerous applicants
👍Make sure you do include these to enhance your CV:
✔️Simple – Make sure the framework is simplistic. A good CV needs to be easy to read in a uniform manner.
✔️Consistency – Ensure you use the same font throughout your CV, you want it to look professional.
✔️Contact details – for obvious reasons, but a reminder to make sure that they are up to date. While we are on the subject, only use a professional email address for all work-related correspondence. Could you imagine a candidate applying for a CEO role with an email address of “hotpants@yahoo.com”?
✔️Strong introduction – Always add a brief profile at the top of your CV before heading into your education and previous work history. Sell yourself in 5-7 lines. This gives the recruiter you are sending your CV across to a glimpse of what is to come.
✔️Be concise – Bullet points are easier to read when listing duties within roles you have worked in but be mindful not to over do it.
✔️Achievements – Remember to add any achievements.
✔️Last but not least, proof-read, proof-read & proof-read.
