Applying everywhere but can't seem to land a job? Maybe the problem is not lack of experience or skill. Maybe it's just how you present yourself in your CV or Curriculum Vitae, which is a summary of your career, education and qualifications. So we suggest you keep on reading to learn how to make your CV stand out.
A little tip is to make sure there are no grammatical errors or typos in your CV. It may seem like a small thing but it gives a bad impression if your curriculum vitae has mistakes in it that could've easily been avoided. There is a lot more good advice and tips where that came from and in this, we will discuss 7 ways to make your CV stand out from the rest.
7 ways to make a CV stand out
If you are having trouble finding the best approach that helps you make your CV stand out from the rest without going too overboard, here is how you can achieve it.
Use a professional email address
While it may seem like a no brainer, you would be surprised at how many people don't have a professional email address. If your email is something like "bunnyluv13@gmail.com" it's time to make a change. Your email should be something along the lines of "yourname@gmail.com" or "firstname.lastname@anymailplatform.com". This will show potential employers that you are serious about getting the job and that you are willing to put in the effort to present yourself professionally from the start.
Stick to a traditional format
There are so many different ways you can format your CV these days but sometimes, less is more. If you want to make your CV stand out, stick to a traditional format that is easy for the employer to read and follow; they should be able to look at it and immediately know where to find the information they are looking for without having to search through a confusing layout.
Use simple words and action verbs
When writing your CV, use simple words and action verbs that can be easily understood by everyone. That will make it easier for the employer to read and will also help you get your point across more effectively. For example, instead of saying "I was in charge of training new employees" you can say "I trained new employees".
Highlight your accomplishments
Make sure to highlight your accomplishments in your CV! Your achievements and successes are the true factors that will make your CV stand out. That is what will set you apart from the rest of the crowd and it will show potential employers what you are capable of. If you have any awards or recognition that are relevant to the job you are applying for do mention them.
Highlight changes and growth
In addition to highlighting your accomplishments, you should also highlight any changes or growth that you have undergone in your career. That can be anything from taking on more responsibility at work to learning new skills. If you have stepped up the corporate ladder, make sure to include it.
Tailor your CV to each job
When making your CV, you need to realise that one size does not fit all. You should tailor your CV to each job you apply for so that it is relevant to the position and shows that you are a good fit for the company. If you have an extensive CV, that may mean taking out anything that is not related and adding in anything specific to the company or position you are opting for.
Proofread your cv
Last but not least, make sure to proofread your CV before you send it off to potential employers. That is important because it will show that you are detail-oriented and that you care about putting your best foot forward. Take the time to read through your CV multiple times and fix any mistakes that you find.
The above-mentioned tips will help ensure that your CV stands out from the rest; however, that’s not al,l we have some honourable mentions for you too! Check them out below.
Start strong
The first few seconds of reading your CV are crucial - you need to make a good first impression! So, start strong by including a summary of who you are and what you do. That will give the employer a quick snapshot of your experience and skills. Not only that, but it will also set a tone for the rest of your CV. So choose your words wisely; look confident without going overboard with statements.
Include relevant keywords
Make sure to include relevant keywords throughout your CV so that it can be easily found when employers search for candidates with specific skill sets. That will help ensure that your CV is seen by potential employers and that you have a better chance of being contacted for an interview. That will also help when you have submitted an electronic copy of your CV.
Show industry insight
If you want to make your CV stand out, try to show some industry insight into it. That can be anything from discussing current trends to offering your predictions for the future. Such actions will show that you are up-to-date with what is happening in your field and that you have something valuable to say. It will also make you more memorable to potential employers.
Be concise
As we mentioned before, less is sometimes more when it comes to CVs. So, try to be as concise as possible while still including all of the relevant information. That can be a difficult balance to achieve but it is important to remember that the employer is likely reading through dozens or even hundreds of CVs. So, you need to make sure that yours is easy to read and that it gets straight to the point.
So the tips we discussed in this article are a few ways you can make your CV stand out. By following these points, you will be sure to catch the eye of potential employers and increase your chances of getting hired. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today!
For frequently asked questions and their answers please continue reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a CV be?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, it is generally advisable to keep your CV to two pages or less. That will ensure it can be easily read by potential employers and that you are not including unnecessary information.
Should I include my photo on my CV?
Including pictures is a controversial topic and there is no right or wrong answer. Given the possibility of identity theft, it is recommended you don’t add it to your CV if you’re uploading it onto a public job site. However, if you’re applying directly to a company then the decision of whether or not to include a photo on your CV should come down to personal preference. If you do choose to include a photo, make sure that it is professional and that it represents you in a positive light.
What font should I use on my CV?
When it comes to choosing a font for your CV, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you want to make sure that the font is easy to read. Second, you want to choose a font that is professional and not too casual. Times New Roman or Calibri is a good option.
Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash
