Working on your CV can be hard, but we have some CV-writing tips to make it easier

The job application process these days isn't all that different from a game of careers Tinder. With employers receiving a high number of CVs for every job listing, you can't afford to submit a sloppy one. No fear – we've identified the top 5 CV tips you can easily apply to enhance your job search document (before you go applying for jobs!) and boost your chances of landing an interview. 

CV writing tip #1: ditch the generic CVs

The first of our top 5 CV tips is to tailor your document. Your CV isn't just a two-page snapshot of your employment history and education. While it includes this information, its purpose is to show exactly why you're qualified for a job.

In other words, when it comes to CVs, one size doesn't fit all. Every detail included in your CV must be tailored to the organisation and the position you're applying for.

Simply evaluate your skills in relation to the job description and tailor your CV accordingly. That way, you make it clear to recruiters that you're a great match and worthy of an interview.

One way to tailor your CV is to add keywords you find in the advert. For example, if the job description says “5 years of experience in customer service” and “excellent communication,” use these words exactly when writing the content for your CV.

CV writing tip #2: prove your value

Next up, you need to prove your value. Throughout your CV, you should detail your work experience over the years. But simply saying that you're "skilled in relationship building" or "have great customer service skills" doesn't show off your value.

To make yourself a desirable hire, highlight the impact you can make by expanding on your achievements and results. 

Show prospective employers exactly what you did that makes you so skilled in relationship-building or customer service. Support your claims with concrete facts and figures where possible, such as targets you've met or exceeded. Measurable results provide recruiters with tangible reasons to invite you to an interview.

For example, instead of writing “exceeded sales targets,” you should write “exceeded sales targets by at least 10% each quarter.” The latter is more accurate and highlights your value.

CV writing tip #3: keep it short and sweet

Your CV might be tailored to perfection and feature a range of numbers, facts, and statistics. However, if it's giving War and Peace a run for its money, your hard work will be for nothing.

Employers often have very little time to decide on which candidates to interview after scanning their CVs, so you can't expect recruiters to read and digest every part of a five-page CV.

To communicate your value to prospective employers as quickly as possible, shoot for a two-page CV. If you're struggling for space, shorten older roles to brief summaries rather than in-depth descriptions. You can also remove irrelevant details and non-essential duties.

You can also choose to use brief language that still conveys your point. For example, rather than saying “I regularly updated the meeting notes to reflect the most recent developments,” you might want to keep it short and say “regularly updated minutes.” 

CV writing tip #4: proofread your CV

Next in our top 5 CV tips is a big one: your written language needs to be on point, as the majority of recruiters believe spelling mistakes are the cardinal sin of all CV errors.

While spellcheck helps, it's not enough. After all, you could write "manger" and mean "manager," but a spellcheck won't pick that up.

To capture every error or awkward phrasing, start by reviewing your CV from bottom to top, last page to first page. Reviewing your CV backwards will help to uncover typos. 

Then, read your CV aloud as you're more likely to spot anything that sounds off. And finally, it's worth passing your CV to a friend or family member so they can give it the once over.

CV writing tip #5: polish your CV format

Your CV format must be clean, slick in its design, and easy to read. If it isn't, not only are recruiters unlikely to read it, but if they try to, they're likely to struggle to identify and absorb relevant information.

This may be the last, but it's definitely not the least of our top 5 CV tips. Remember: a cluttered look is a huge turn-off. If you have any chunky paragraphs, try to break them into a smaller blurb and then use bullet points to call attention to the most important and relevant information, such as your measurable results and other achievements.

Also, keep your formatting consistent throughout and avoid anything overly confusing, such as too many font types or font sizes. Use a single font style and size for your headings and another for the body of your CV. This will break up your CV's design without overcomplicating matters.

Put these top CV tips to work

If you're looking for a quick way to get noticed by potential employers, our top 5 CV tips can work wonders to spruce up your next application. Applying for jobs can be tough, but taking the time to tailor your CV to the role, showcase your value briefly, and proofread your document carefully can make a huge difference. 

Need more help with your CV? Take advantage of our free CV review now to get ahead of the competition and boost your chances of landing an interview. 

This blog was originally written by Laura Slingo and updated by Charlotte Grainger.

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