Is your outdated resume creating friction?

 When was the last time you worked on your resume?

I'm not talking about updating it, adding in a couple of extra bullet points to the ever growing list of responsibilities you have had since you started your career.

I mean, when was the last time you REWORKED your resume?

If you're like the majority of senior leaders.....it's probably more than 10 yrs old. Take a moment to think about all the things that have changed in that time..... Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, Google drive, the iPhone, Wifi usage, Mobile data. E-commerce. Linkedin.

Unless you're planning on faxing or posting your CV, let's be honest, it probably needs a rework.

In the age of immediate gratification and speed, how easy are you making it for your reader to get to "yes"? Any website owner will tell you, that the more FRICTION there is in the user experience of the website, the higher the bounce rate and the less time the user will spend on your page.

It's the same with resumes.

More friction = increase in bounce rate = decrease in success rate of your application.

How much friction are you creating? Here are my top 10 tips on how to reduce friction and bring your CV

Chronology: lists your professional experience from most to least recent Employers tend to prefer it because it's straightforward and easy to scan. By showcasing your work history chronologically, you immediately show the employer that you have related experience and skills. 

Fluff: Don't describe yourself as "motivated", "enthusiastic" or "dynamic" - everybody does. When writing your CV, always choose your language carefully and remember that popular buzzwords, which tend to be vague and unimaginative, show no real value or expertise. Use fact-based language that can be proven.

Structure: Use bullet points; not continuous prose. Using bullet points improves the format and readability of your CV, but it also makes scanning it easy to read when on the-go. Remember CEOs are reviewing your profile most of the time on their phone. Keep it short and simple: Preferably no more than one or two sentence(s) per bullet point.

Outcomes: Talk about RESULTS, not just responsibilities. Use figures or percentages: i.e key performance indicators, costs cuts or increased sales %. These figures are irrefutable evidence of your success and will portray you as a ‘results-orientated’ and ‘outcomes-focused’ person.

Length: Anything longer than 3 pages probably doesn't get read. Your CV is not your autobiography. It is meant to be short. Keep in mind that decisions are made on page 1!! Page 4 and 5 (if you have one that long) is a graveyard. 

Reporting: Is it clear who you report to? You get bonus points. Have you reported to a CEO, Commercial function or being part of a matrix organisation?

Visuals: Delete your headshot. Companies don't make decisions based on your appearance. And if they do - we are actively talking to them about bias. 

Cover letter: CVs get read before cover letters Always remember that your cover letter will only be read after your CV has passed both a quick scan and a screen. Your cover letter is not an intro to your CV, it is an addition.

Social Branding: Does your Linkedin title reflect your CV? Don't inflate! And know that employers DO check. Expect hiring managers to ask some pointed questions about your past and current responsibilities during interviews. Inflated job titles will always come to light. Also, make sure your LinkedIn profile and your CV are consistent. You may choose to present your LinkedIn and CV differently, but the chronology and facts should be similar.

Keywords: Keywords are great, but don't spam your CV with them. Stuffing your CV with keywords will hurt it more than it helps. You'll fool the algorithm, not a specialist recruiters eye!

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