CV optimisation giving you a headache? How to make your CV stand out

We know how much energy it takes just looking for a new role, let alone getting your CV in the best shape to start getting applications out. As search partners, we work with candidates on the day-to-day to optimise their CVs to highlight their relevant skills in the best possible way. However, if you haven’t taken a look at your CV for a while, it can be a daunting task to sift through the information and decide on what’s relevant to the types of roles you’re interested in. Given that hiring managers make a decision on CVs in the first 10 seconds of looking at them, it’s imperative that you find the right formula that will get your CV noticed for all the right reasons.

It’s about the balance

In the argument of less-is-more vs. more-is-more, the perfect CV wont pander to this polarisation. A good CV will know when to go into depth, and when to keep things brief. For example, skillsets, experience and education relevant to the role you’re applying for should be highlighted so that they are quick and easy to recognise within the body of the text. If you’re using bullet points to summarise your professional experience, make sure that must-have qualifications are at the top of the list. Don’t be afraid to highlight your relevant skills in bold so that they’ll stand out upon quickly glancing at your profile.

Keep it relevant

As mentioned in our introduction, if you haven’t had to make changes to your CV for a while it can be hard to work out what you should keep in and what you should take out. A good rule of thumb is to only include in-depth information on recent and relevant roles.

So, if you’re looking to move into a Principal Medical Writer role, including your previous medical writing experience? Tick. Including the time you worked as a baby sitter for a family friend ten years ago? Maybe not.

This rule also applies to writing your profile; whilst its great to get a sense of who you really are in your profile, it should be a brief and a punctual summary of information about you that will match well with the role/company you’re looking to join. The reader should be fairly certain at the end of your profile that they want to interview YOU. The remainder of your CV should convince them that they MUST interview you.?

Lean on us

When working with a Progression Partner, don't hesitate to ask for advice and guidance. We work closely with our clients to establish their individual needs, and know on a role-by-role basis what they're looking for. Whether its ensuring that your relevant experience stands out, or helping you to showcase what puts you above the other applicants, we can help. At CM Consulting, we also work exclusively within the healthcare communications space, and so can also offer market insights and know-how that are invaluable when sending through an application.

Reach Out

We've produced an EBook on writing the killer CV, as well as a range of other candidate resources. For more advice and guidance regarding cv editing, or for general enquiries, reach out to the team at CM Consulting today.

At CM Consulting, we believe in working collaboratively with candidates to identify and define the best fit for them. Our team of dedicated consultants specialise in working to match candidates with clients who reciprocate their values and meet their expectations.?