First Impressions Count - How to make your CV stand out

As a recruiter we see 100's of CV's pass across our desk in a day. Your curriculum vitae (CV) is your marketing tool for getting our attention amongst the emails and ultimately being hired in the hospitality industry. As they say, first impressions count and this is no different! A CV is your chance to sell your skills and experience effectively. But with so much competition, how can you make yourself stand out from the crowd?

Here are some of my top tips for standing out from the crowd:

1. Tailor your CV to the job

It may take a bit longer but it is time well invested! When applying for a job, it's important to tailor your CV to the specific job description. Highlight the skills and experience that match the requirements of the job. This shows the employer that you have taken the time to understand what they are looking for and that you have the relevant experience to meet their needs.

2. Showcase your achievements

Don't just show us what you did, show us the impact it had by highlighting your achievements. Did you increase revenue or reduce costs? Did you receive any awards or recognition for your work? By showcasing in a concise way what you could bring to the role you're putting yourself ahead of the game.

3. Use action verbs

Try and stay away from copying and pasting a traditional list of duties you might find in your job description. Start each bullet point with an action verb to show what you accomplished in your previous roles. Use verbs like "managed," "led," "implemented," and "solved" to highlight your skills and experience. This makes your CV more dynamic and engaging.

4. Show your personality

Remember your best tool to sell you is YOU. While it's important to showcase your skills and experience, don't forget to show your personality in your CV. Use a friendly and approachable tone to give the employer a sense of who you are. Have a welcoming profile photo showcasing you in a fun yet professional way. Use a layout and font that you feel relates to you (whilst ensuring it is professional and readable). This can help you stand out from other candidates who may have similar skills and experience.

5. Use keywords

Currently, we, at Kendrick Recruitment don't use an ATS as humans offer too many variables to be boxed in by words but many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen CVs before they even hit a recruiters inbox. To ensure your CV gets through the screening process, use keywords from the job description in your CV. This will show the employer that you have the skills and experience they are looking for and increase your chances of getting an interview.

6. Keep it short and sweet

Your CV should be no longer than two pages. Keep it concise and to the point, highlighting only the most important information. Employers receive hundreds of CVs for each job posting, so make sure to make yours easy to read and understand.

In conclusion, selling yourself in the hospitality industry required a CV that is tailored it to the job. Make sure you showcase your achievements, using action verbs, highlighting relevant skills, showing your personality, using keywords, and keeping it concise. With these tips, you can create a CV that stands out from the competition and gets you noticed by potential employers.

If you have any further questions about how to make your CV shine feel free to get in touch with us at Kendrick Recruitment on [email protected]