5 ways to structure a CV that will get you noticed
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26/04/2022
Job hunting is a challenging experience. But there are a few things you can do to prepare for the competition. If you want a chance of getting the dream job, then it comes down to having an amazing CV and being prepared.
The following tips on how to write a CV will help you make the best impression on the recruiter and set yourself apart from the other candidates.
Focus on the Essentials
Your CV should reveal who you are in the professional world. It’s not only about marketing your accomplishments but also showing your reasons clearly in a format that is easy for the hiring manager to absorb. If you’re not sure where to start with your resume, you can always search online for templates or ask a recruiter for guidance.
Make sure your CV is up to date with all your most recent duties and successes, as well as training and professional development experience.
And don’t forget to proofread your CV before submitting it, keeping an eye out for typos and spelling errors. It’s worth getting a friend or someone else to proofread for any mistakes you may miss!
Ensure it is Concise and Well-Structured
Recruiters are going through a lot of applications, and they are trying to get through them as quickly as possible. To make it easy for them, start with your most recent position and then list your work history in reverse chronological order. Don’t bother including too much information about your earliest roles – focus on your most recent and relevant achievements.
It’s also important to include both the month and year you started each position so your new employer can understand your full work history. If there are gaps in your CV, don’t worry – you can include a line about your time of unemployment. It’s better to talk about it upfront rather than leave the hiring manager with questions before you’ve even met them.
Try to keep your entire CV to two or three pages, offering a clear summary of your work history.
Be Precise and Measure Achievements
When it comes to presenting your skills and experience, specificity is everything. A good structure to use for each position in your work history is role, responsibilities and achievements. Clearly present your job title and the organisation you worked for as a heading, then include a brief statement about your overarching role. Next, provide a list of achievements that illustrate what you did in that role. Start each bullet point with action verbs such as “managed”, “created” or “developed” and add quantifiable data if possible. Try to keep away from cliches that could be used to describe anyone at your professional level. This is the time for you to shine and find opportunities to showcase your specific skills and attributes in a memorable way.
Adapt Your CV to Each Job
It might be appealing to keep a general CV that you can use every time you apply for a job, but tailoring your application is significant. It’s not enough for you to know you can do the job; you need to be able to prove it.
This doesn’t mean writing your CV from scratch every time. Instead, look at the job ad and pull out the main qualities and skills the recruiter is looking for. You can then include keywords and phrases within your CV or do a quick check to ensure your application covers all the most important components the company is seeking in their new hire.
At the end of the day, you want to make it as easy as possible for the hiring manager to recognise how well suited you are to the role – and what makes you different from the other applicants.
Our experienced team at KLC Recruitment know how daunting it can be to go through the job application process. That’s why we’re on hand to offer you practical guidance and CV tips so you create an application that will get you noticed for all the right reasons.
For more resume advice or to take the next step in your career, reach out to us today!
