Is Your CV Helping or Hurting or Job Search?

Dear Hospitality Professionals,

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Critical Eye, where we take a closer look at the details that can make or break your career progression. Today, we’re focusing on an essential topic: CV design.

Your CV is often your first impression, but are you sure it’s making the right one? Let’s explore some important questions:

How Long Do Recruiters Spend on Your CV?

Answer: Just 3–5 seconds is the statistical reality of recruiters across the world. In that short time, recruiters decide whether to delve deeper or move on. Overly complex or cluttered CVs make it harder for them to focus on what really matters—your skills and experience. If you start with your oldest experience first, the recruiting will have to scroll through your entire CV to see how relevant you currently are to the job.... this may very well hinder your success.

Can Over-Designed CVs Hurt Your Chances?

Answer: Yes! Many applicant tracking systems (ATS) struggle to process CVs with graphics, tables, or intricate layouts. These systems are designed to read clean, text-based formats. Over-designing your CV could mean vital information gets missed—or worse, your CV isn’t processed at all.

What Makes a CV Stand Out?

Answer: Simplicity and Relevance. A recruiter-friendly CV is:

• Cleanly formatted: Stick to professional fonts like Arial or Calibri. Use headings such as Experience, Education, and Skills for clarity.
• Tailored to the job: Highlight the skills and qualifications that match the role you’re applying for.
• ATS-compatible: Save it as a Word document or PDF and avoid images or text boxes.

Your CV Through The Critical Eye

Take a moment to review your CV and ask yourself:

• Is it easy to read at first glance?
• Does it emphasize the experience and skills most relevant to your target job?
• Would it pass smoothly through an ATS?
• Do you start with your most recent job first?

Need a Hand with Your Job Search?

At Hospitality Jobs Africa, we’re dedicated to empowering hospitality professionals like you to navigate the job market with confidence. While we don’t write CVs, we offer valuable insights and guidance to help you present yourself effectively and maximize your career opportunities. Ready to take the next step? Browse our latest job listings and access additional resources here: www.hospitalityjobsafrica.com

Warm regards, Zana Scheltema

General Manager Hospitality Jobs Africa

https://hospitalityjobsafrica.com/is-your-cv-helping-or-hurting-your-job-search/