Your CV is the key to all doors (in this case, the recruitment process)

By: Joana M. Alves

In today's competitive job market, your CV and interview performance can make all the difference in landing your dream job. In dozens or hundreds of CVs, an outstanding one will surely catch the eye of the recruiter and may as well be your golden ticket to being asked to do an interview.

In today’s article I’m going to give you some important tips you can implement in your CV to increase your chances of going to the next phase of this daunting process, the interview stage (stay tuned for the next article where I’ll be giving you tips on how to ace an interview).

How to create a CV that stands out ?? ??

1. A CV is your professional story. Customizing it for the specific job you're applying for is crucial. Showcase your skills and experiences that directly match the position's requirements.

2. Keep your CV easy to read and to the point. Recruiters often have limited time, so make it simple for them to understand your qualifications. Use bullet points to list key information and organize it logically.

3. The look of your CV matters. Choose a professional and easily readable font, maintain a consistent style throughout, and use headings to organize your information. This shows you pay attention to detail and take your career seriously.

4. Focus on the work experiences that directly relate to the job. Describe your job roles in a way that demonstrates your suitability for the position you're pursuing. It's not just about listing your past jobs but highlighting how they've prepared you for this opportunity.

5. Typos and grammatical errors reflect poorly on your professionalism. Proofread your CV carefully and consider having someone else review it for a fresh perspective.

6. Avoid creating CVs with an excessive number of pages. CVs with too many pages are a big don't. Recruiters prefer concise, well-organized documents that get straight to the point. Keep your CV to a reasonable length, focusing on the most relevant and impactful information. Focus on achievements, skills and tech proficiency.

7. Include all relevant contact information on your CV, such as your email, phone number, and LinkedIn profile. However, a complete address is not necessary; you can simply mention your general location or city. This ensures potential employers can easily reach out to you while protecting your privacy.

8. Instead of relying on the standard curriculum vitae templates, be creative and craft a personalized, clean, and easy-to-understand CV from scratch. This not only sets you apart but also demonstrates your commitment to the application. Designing your unique CV shows recruiters your dedication and effort in making a lasting impression.

9. Showcase side projects or passion projects! If you have side projects, passion projects, or hobbies relevant to your field, don't hesitate to include them on your CV. These projects not only demonstrate your passion and expertise but also showcase your initiative and creativity.

10. Add a personal touch with a signature or logo. Consider adding a personal signature or logo to your CV, especially if you work in a creative or design-related field. This adds a unique touch and reinforces your personal brand.

11. Use keywords strategically. Instead of simply listing keywords related to your industry, strategically integrate them throughout your CV in contextually relevant ways. This not only helps with applicant tracking systems but also demonstrates your familiarity with industry terminology and trends.

12. Highlight non-traditional skills. Think beyond the standard technical skills and certifications. By highlighting unique or non-traditional skills such as proficiency in a rare language, experience with a niche software tool, or a creative hobby that demonstrates your problem-solving abilities, you’ll be setting yourself apart from other candidates.

13. Include a professional development section where you can showcase your commitment to continuous learning and growth by including a section dedicated to professional development. This can include online courses, workshops, conferences, or certifications relevant to your field, demonstrating your proactive approach to skill enhancement.

By following these tips you’ll already be one step ahead of the competition and well on your way to smashing the next phase of the recruitment process, the interview.

We all know it all starts with the CV, but the interview process is where you must shine and make a long-lasting impression that proves your knowledge of the position and the company. It may seem scary at first but don’t worry: In our next article, I’ll help you navigate that next phase with all the ammunition you need to be prepared to smash your next interview.

Until then, get to work on your CV and turn it into the key that opens the interview doors!