How To Optimize Your CV Today

The days of printing a CV and slipping it inside an envelope are long gone. Nowadays, you need to optimize your CV for applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Take Jane who recently emailed us, “I had been applying for marketing roles for over six months with no luck. Then I realised my CV wasn’t cutting it anymore,” says Jane.

With this realisation, Jane got to work on modernising her CV with digital applications in mind.

In recent years, the job application process has increasingly moved online. Applicant tracking systems now digitally scan thousands of CVs, so you need to optimize your CV to stand out.

In this article, I will explore CV redesign tips that ensure your CV stands out in the digital age.

1. Optimize Fonts and Target Keywords

First, choose a simple, easy-to-read font like Arial or Times New Roman between 10-12pt size.

Large blocks of text can make recruiters scroll past your information too quickly online.

Then, include important keywords from the job description in your own work experience, skills, and qualifications sections. This ensures the ATS picks up your CV and sends it to a real person.

2. Quantify Your Impact

Statistics and figures showcase the results of your work better than simple descriptions. For example, you can write, “Improved engagement by 34% through targeted social media campaigns” instead of the generic “Managed social media marketing”.

This shows you are result-driven, which is a big plus for impressing the recruiter.

3. Update Regularly

It is essential to update your CV every 2-3 months by seeking feedback, swapping outdated jobs for new experiences and adjusting keywords based on the latest applications.

This keeps your CV up to date.

4. Keep it Simple.

Brevity is key; therefore, removing unnecessary details that make your CV longer is essential.

Present information in an organised manner to enhance its readability and proper spacing to make it visually appealing.

Read also>>>5 Ways To Write A CV For Winning A Job

Conclusion

Within a week of applying with her newly digitally optimised CV, Jane received a call from the hiring manager wanting to discuss her CV further. A month later, Jane landed her dream marketing job.

Her case study shows that with a few minor changes, your CV can, too, be optimised for the digital applicant tracking systems that are now common in CV screening.

Have you been struggling to optimise your CV? Consider investing in our professional CV writing services today and shine in your job search.