Tips to Make Your CV Stand Out

In business, first impressions count. When it comes to recruitment, first impressions count more than ever. Your resume is the first thing a potential employer sees, and if the relevant skills and experience aren’t highlighted or don't seem relevant, your CV won’t make the final cut.

With only a limited amount of time to make that first impression, how can you make your resume stands out? First, stop thinking of it as a way to get the job and start thinking of it as a way to get through the application process and secure an interview. You need to showcase information that’s relevant to the position and shows you’re worth talking to.

So, how can you make your resume stand out and land that new job you’re interested in? These are the CV tips that count when you want to make a first impression.

Major on looks

Recruiters see thousands of resumes every day so a good way to stand out is to use your creativity to create an attractive and professional CV.?

Use a legible font like Times New Roman or Calibri in a readable size, keep the design simple and stick to a palette of black and white with blue or green to highlight important information.?

Make a pitch

Start strong with a summary of your key skills and achievements. These should be customized to the role you’re applying for and explain why you’re the best person for that job.?

By demonstrating an understanding of the role you’re applying for and the industry as a whole, your CV will stand out and you’ll differentiate yourself as a top candidate. By sticking to relevant skills, you’re saving a recruiter valuable time and effort.

Keep it brief

Your resume should be a maximum two pages long so keep it clear, concise and to the point. If you’re an entry level candidate with minimal experience, keep it to one page and make sure all information is relevant to the job you’re applying for. Recruiters hate redundancy and fluff so keep it on point.

Get proactive

You know you’re good at your job, but how do you demonstrate that to a hirer? Try using the STAR model so you give tangible examples for all your relevant skills. Identify the Situation, Task, Action and Result and formulate an action point that shows how your input achieved the result in any task.?

Using proactive language means you can quantify your abilities and effectively demonstrate your skills and capabilities. You might work with social media but your resume needs to reflect how your actions have boosted social media engagement and by how much.

Harness the power of keywords

Did you know many recruiters use database software to filter candidates who don’t use relevant keywords??

To tick all the right boxes, search the company’s website for keywords and phrases they could be looking for, use industry specific terminology and power words that create real impact.

Be error-free

You’ve written a killer personal statement, researched your keywords and tailored your resume to the job, but don’t forget the basics. Now you need to proofread your CV, and then ask a friend or colleague to review it for you, to avoid any first grade errors.

Checking for common grammar mistakes and spellings before you submit demonstrates your professionalism and your attention to detail. Submitting a resume that is clear and easy to navigate makes you a serious contender when it comes to recruitment.

Get CV tips with Coltech

Creating the perfect CV might seem time-consuming,?but you only have seven seconds?to make that first impression and get seen . Studying the job description, researching keywords and being concise can only take you so far if you want to land that all-important interview. If you need help writing professionally and flawlessly, Coltech can help.

If you’re looking for a new job,?Coltech ?can help you make a winning first impression from CVs to interviews. Call us today on +1 5127177490 or email: [email protected] to start finding your new job.