4 Things to Add to Your CV Now, Ready For 2022
Been a crazy few years, ay..... but the job market is definitely picking (or picked, depending on the country) up. With more people having the headspace and confidence to change roles in 2022 after playing it safe over the past couple of years, what can you do NOW to get one step ahead?
Number 1 - Headline
Sounds simple, and it is. But it is really effective.
When people read your CV, they are always attracted to the top of the CV first. Utilise the space under your name with a catchy and relevant headline.
This can be the job title of the role you are applying for, your job title, your industry, the product areas you have worked on, your specialisms - the world is your oyster on this one.
Just make sure it is specific and relevant to the role. It will set the scene for the reader and help them understand quickly that you are a relevant candidate and are worth reading on.
See below.
2 - Personal Summary.... but you do this already!
Yes you do. But badly and also it is pretty irrelevant most of the time. "Passionate about Fashion" "Driven to succeed" and whichever useless buzzword you want to put in there....
But.....I have an idea.
Why not make it specific for each role. Like a mini cover letter. Address 2/3 things that really align with your experience and the role you are applying for.
Yes you can do a cover letter. But let's face it. They are rarely read in my experience. I know as a recruiter I would never really read them.
Make this prime space at the top of your CV count!
3 - Create a Skills/Specialisms Section
Whether you want to believe it or not, there is truth to the quote that "recruiters will scan your CV for just 6 seconds"
Don't fixate on the 6 seconds. It is the scanning that you want to take note of.
This is 100% true in my experience (17 years in Agency and In-House recruitment across 2 continents).
Not everyone's CV is read for just 6 seconds, but the recruiter will scan quickly to ascertain if the candidate is at all a vaguely relevant match and worth reading on for.
You need to show the recruiter *QUICKLY* that you warrant them reading on.
By creating this section, you can cover the essential skills they are looking for. This could be systems experience (Adobe, SAP), product experience (Knitwear, Footwear), qualifications (CIMA, CIPD, AHRI), specialisms covered (SEO, SEM, Paid Search, Google Analytics)
I am not going to cover role responsibilities, impacts and achievements, as we all do these..... don't we..... you better!
4 - Add Some Personality!
I'm not talking "I like socialising with my friends " but if you have interesting hobbies, voluntary work or have achieved something cool outside of work.... why not???
If you have some space knocking about on the bottom of your CV, give it a go (please don't take it fractionally onto another page, my OCD will go off the scale).
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If you can make it relevant to your industry / role then that is amazing!
I have worked with people recently applying to sportswear businesses, so talking about the Ironman they did, or Triathlon, is relevant.
I also worked with a Homeware Designer who would draw inspiration from personal holidays to India and Indonesia... Now that is interesting! And relevant! It also stands out a bit.
If you have room, give it a go!
I hope you have found this helpful. If so, please pop a like and a comment to tell! Or pop me a message, I love to hear form people who find what I share useful.
I'm so excited to say that my new website and online course is ALMOST DONE!!!!
The waitlist is open!
Why join? Because if you put your name down you will receive an email when it is open, with a 50% off code for the CV Writing course.
There has never been such an in-depth, yet quick and simple course that makes it so easy to write an exceptional CV that recruiters will take notice of.
It is a mixture of video, guides and templates..... plus a session with me after to go over your new CV and any questions!
It will be the best money you spend in 2022, and with the 50% off, arguably the whole of the 20's.....
PLUS!
You will be the first to get access to the FREE CONTENT PORTAL where I curate the most accurate and relevant job search advice out there.
Thanks for reading, and see you next time on The Career Gym's weekly newsletter.
All the best, and happy holidays / Christmas!
Russell Ayles // Founder @ The Career Gym
PS - Did you enjoy this article? Please Like / Comment / Share.... or just be selfish and keep it to yourself..... whatever.
Senior Career Coach at LHH | Accredited Coach | Imposter Syndrome and Trauma Informed Coach | Helping people be Imposter Syndrome free | Training as a Hypnotherapist and Counsellor
2 年As someone who has worked in the recruitment industry for nearly 15 years before moving into the field of career transition coaching, I echo what Russell says, especially when it comes to scanning. Great tips, Russell, and all the best with your new website!
Training Manager at Mobile Broadband Network Ltd (MBNL) for Ericsson Adaptive Inventory (EAI)
2 年Very useful read, thank you Russell I was having a conversation last week (with a recruiter) that including your interests wasn't necessary. I disagreed as I thought that it shows you as a person and not as a job. We agreed to disagree, so good to read your comments on this.
Contract Senior Business Analyst
2 年That was very helpful as always Russell. Love the examples.
Legal Recruitment Specialist | Recruitment Consultant/Advisor | Recruitment Sourcer @ DWF via AMS
2 年Helpful as always Russell ??
Retired
2 年Evening / morning to you - great connecting with you and may I say thanks for helping my Arcadia buddies in times of need - Take care and enjoy your family Christmas.