We all know that the most important part of the job application is the CV. This document is what highlights you as the best candidate for the role, so it is vital to get it right. By having a CV that stands out, you will be guaranteed a higher chance of
success. So how do you go about doing this?
Here are 8 ways to make your CV stand out.
- Start strong. Start your CV by emphasising your skills at the beginning. By summarising your best qualities, you will give the impression that you are exactly the person whom the employer is looking for. By covering the skills you can offer the company from the start, you grab the reader’s attention as a candidate to consider.
- Quantify your skills. Everyone who is applying has skills and experience. But what makes you different? Try to emphasise what difference you have made to a company or your unique contribution to a previous employer. Try to quantify your achievements with some figures to make it more specific. By doing so, you will have a unique set of experiences and stand out to the employer.
- Be brief and to the point. Employers have busy schedules and often have many people applying for the role. Try to make it no more than two pages. By being succinct, employers are more likely to read the CV and consider you for the role.
- Make sure the format and layout are easy to navigate. By presenting a CV that has a logical order and is easy to read, employers are more likely to choose you for the role.
- Include some of your interests or hobbies. In doing so, the employer can see you are a rounded character. This will make you stand out as unique and be more attractive to the employer.
- Use the right language. Try to include some modal verbs like should or could or would. In doing so, it gives a sense of confidence to both you and your writing and enhances your chances of success.
- Use keywords. Employers often have certain qualities they are looking for in a candidate, such as problem-solving or time management. It is useful to refer to the job description and tailor your CV around it, to include the qualities they
are searching for. In doing so, you will ensure you can tick all the boxes.
- Tailor your CV to the job you’re applying for. It is important to make sure that it is relevant to the role. If it is not, the employer is likely to reject your application before you have even started. To avoid this, add the job
description and title of the role you’re applying for.
By following these simple strategies, you will have a CV that stands out from the crowd.
Article written by Sarah Oakes & graphics by Issy Howell
