If you’re looking for a new job then you really need to work to make your life as easy as possible. The truth is that the job market can be tough, which means you often have to work hard to stand out.
So, what should you be doing if you’re on the job hunt and want to really impress? Well, the first thing you should be doing is making sure your CV is up to scratch. You have to remember that your CV is the first think most employers will see of yours – and we all know that first impressions count!
Making Sure Your CV Impresses
So with so many people handing in CVs for the same job position as you, you need to make sure that your CV stands out from the crowd.
First of all you need to make sure that your CV says what it needs to and nothing more. It is easy to assume that writing as many words as possible is the best way to showcase your talents in the best way to your potential employer. However, instead you need to respect their time – after all, they probably don’t have the time to read through hundreds and hundreds of words. Keep it as concise as possible – where possible onto a single page, but never more than two.
The layout of your CV is also important. It needs to be fresh, clear and easy to read. There are many different CV templates online and these can be really helpful. Try not to be too outrageous or daring, instead keep it traditional and make sure that it is easy to read.
The information that you include in your CV is also really important. There is nothing wrong with tweaking your CV a little for each job position that you apply for. That way you can make sure that your CV is relevant and the best match for the job position possible.
What They’re Reading
You need to take into account just how many different CVs they are likely to be reading. You need to make sure that even if they read lots of them, it is yours that stands out. This means making relevant information easy to find and ensuring that your CV remains interesting and uncluttered. That way they’re going to find it much easier to read rather than being put off with the thought of it being hard work and simply skipping to the next CV on the pile.
Remember that your CV is about showcasing yourself in the best way possible. If your latest job is your greatest achievement then make sure that this is as near to the top of the page as possible. However if you’re looking to take a career leap in a different direction then list your relevant skills and other experiences first. Your employer wants to know straight away why you are such a good match for their job and you need to make sure that your CV does this.
