Perfect Your CV; 5 Simple Ways to Fine-Tune Your CV

Did you know studies have shown that recruiters spend just about seven seconds going through your CV before deciding whether you are suitable for the role?

As a professional CV expert, I receive tons of complaints about candidates who aren’t satisfied with their CV.

“I send out my CV for the roles that I feel I meet the requirements but I only get regret feedback”

“How can I ensure that my CV lands in the shortlisted pile?”

“I have been using the same CV to apply for job vacancies for a year now with no results”

The question that puzzles many job seekers, especially in a flooded job market is how to make their CV stand out.

Follow these simple ways to fine-tune your CV today.

1. Start strong

Start with a brief summary of your key skills and accomplishments that will attract and grab the attention of the recruiter from the word go. This part is usually called a career profile.

It tells the employer exactly who you are as a professional, and what you can offer so it is important to portray the right impression.

Example of an IT specialist:

“I am an enthusiastic, self-driven, and committed IT expert with a proven track record of setting up software, designing websites, and creating databases. I have top technical skills that include computer skills, programming languages, and enterprise software as well as analytical and interpersonal skills. I am ready to be challenged to grow and expand the skillset that I have gained through my experience in the IT sector.”

 2. Ensure your CV is extremely easy to read

If your CV is difficult to read it will be a turn-off for the recruiter. The trick is simple, concise, and complete sentences in a few words. Avoid using flowery words but make use of the industry-related phrases relevant to the job you are applying for so that the employer will know that you understand the industry language well.

In addition, avoid using complicated fancy fonts; they may look elegant but make it impossible for the recruiter to go through.

3. Tailor your CV to the job you are applying for

Your CV should never be a ‘one size fit all’ document where whenever a job vacancy arises you use the same CV.

Instead, you should update your CV in line with the job description, company details, and other details as a guide.

Employers are now using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter the large audiences applying for jobs. Therefore, a candidate needs to have an ATS-friendly CV to increase their chance of getting an interview.

4. Use action verbs

Some action verbs used in CV include Improved, produced, achieved, oversaw, spearheaded, etc.

One would ask why action verbs? Simple, action verbs create a lasting impact on the reader and help them paint a clear picture of the achievements and results you have made.

For example, instead of stating that you have strong communication skills, try using verbs such as “published” or “wrote”.  Also, rather than saying I achieved my goals, use words such as “surpassed” or “accomplished”.

5. Show your impact with facts and figures

Facts and figures give employers solid reasons for hiring you. It measures your effectiveness and more specifically it quantifies the impact you made with the previous employers.

For instance, stating “increased social media engagement by 20%” gives quantifiable reasons to an employer of what they should expect when they hire you.

Looking for a good job is becoming competitive each day. That is why a well-revamped CV is what you need to have your CV stand out from the rest. This will be the first step to getting closer to being hired. Get your CV reviewed today by an expert to turn the odds in your favor.