Are you thinking about applying for a new job? Maybe you should rethink your CV game. Statistics show that on average recruiters spend 6 seconds scanning through a CV. Doesn’t sound like much, right? So you have got to make those seconds count!
Every recruiter has a personal taste, but there are some commonly established do’s and don’ts when it comes to building that killer resume. Here is how to make your CV stand out from all the other applicants.
Take Care of Little Things in Your CV
The small things can take you a long way. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to create your CV so that it could be sent to anyone. Make it clear that you are applying for a specific job role in a specific industry. Recruiters are sure to appreciate that you put the effort to tailor your CV exactly for their company.
Whatever you do, keep it professional. If you are sending your CV via email or submitting to a company’s page online, file name myCV2016.pdf might not be the best choice. Consider putting your full name and maybe even the position e.g. JamesBond.pdf
Another shocking statistic is that 76% of resumes are discarded because of unprofessional email addresses. May be worth changing that daddy2345@hotmail.com to something with your actual name in it – JamesBond@gmail.com.
Last but not the least is grammar and spelling. Nothing screams unprofessional like typos in your resume. So proofread again and again and again.
Get with the times
Technology can give your resume the edge it needs. There are so many possibilities. You can use unique designs, colours and graphics to stand out. Even if you are not on good terms with design software you can use online templates that will give you all the design with none of the trouble.
The design is a great way to make your CV stand out, but there are some general guidelines that you should follow. Most importantly to keep it clean. Use plenty of white space while keeping the information concise. Large companies nowadays use machines to scan submitted resumes for keywords. Express yourself clearly and make sure you use words that are established in the industry. Get those machines to notice you. To be completely frank, recruiters also look for the same keywords, so you can’t go wrong with this.
Finally use the opportunities given by rich media. You can add links to your social accounts or even link to your achievements online. This way you can give that extra info while keeping it down to the point.
Don’t forget the basics in your CV
The golden rule of CV writing is keeping it short. Include what matters, so you can fit it all into a page. Only in very few scenarios you should go for two pages. Never more than that. How much do you think a recruiter can read in those 6 seconds?
A good way to use that short time well is to move the skills section in your resume up. This is one of the most important things recruiters look at. Why not give it to them?
The last bit to make sure you are the one to be called for an interview is about gaps in your bio. If you leave unexplained gaps in your work or education, recruiters might get suspicious. Give a brief explanation of what happened, e.g.
– Gap year after university
– Voluntary work
All in all, dress to impress. Meaning, dress your CV to impress. Keep everything in balance and know who you are sending your resume to, then try to appeal to that taste. Use colours and fonts to help you bring the point across. You have to be careful to not overdo it, though. Keep it professional with that little bit of unique.