Making your CV simple, easy-to-read, concise yet informative and visually attractive would yield unthinkable results
(In American English, a summary of your work history is typically known as a résumé; however, in British English, the word CV (the abbreviation of curriculum vitae) is preferred. For the purposes of this article, we will use the word CV to refer to both.)
It is believed and opined that a first impression is something very crucial. When you meet people, you weigh them up within seconds. Are they organized, dynamic, trustworthy? Similarly employers reading your CV effectively ‘meet’ you for the first time. They ask themselves the same questions about you and make their decision within seconds. So making the right first impression with your CV is crucial.
Make your CV easy to read
Research shows that one thing recruiters expect in a CV is ease of reading. By making yours easy to read, you are demonstrating a valuable transferable skill from the outset: the ability to present information in a coherent, appealing manner.
Ways of making your CV easy to read include:
- a brief summary of where you are now and where you want to go
- short sentences and paragraphs
- clear headings for the standard parts of the CV
- good use of bullet points
- appropriate typefaces
Use language employers want to hear
The key points you write about your experience and skills must match those required for the job as advertised. Mirror key terms used in the ad, but avoid repeating word for word what the ad says. Find the right ‘tone of voice’. Your language does not need to be overly formal ‑ but do not be too informal either. And avoid unnecessary jargon.
Presentation is everything
Think of your CV as an advertising brochure: it is advertising you. It should be as visually attractive as you can make it. At the very least, it has to be neat and tidy. Using lots of different typefaces will make it look cluttered and untidy. Choosing the right type size is also important.
And never print your CV double-sided.
Be concise yet informative
The standard length for a CV is two pages (on separate sheets). If you write more than that, for most jobs it is unlikely to be read. However, if you have more than 10 years of work experience, your CV may be longer.
Every word you use has to count, has to have a purpose. In a CV, short is good: short words, short sentences and short paragraphs.
Edit your CV with a fine-tooth comb
Employers automatically reject a CV containing spelling mistakes or typos. This is a fact, not just a myth invented by teachers and lecturers. That means you must make sure your CV is absolutely typo-free and has correct grammar. And do not rely on spellcheckers. They accept things like ‘their responsibilities include’ instead of ‘their responsibilities’.
Dynamic verbs make a good impression
Your CV should make it clear what you have achieved to-date. That will give employers a clue about what you will be able to achieve. Active, dynamic verbs put the emphasis on your achievements.
Know what to include, what to exclude
There is no set pattern for CVs, but they all must include certain things, such as personal details and skills and qualifications.
- You are not obliged to include your interests, though people usually do.
- However, if you can present them in a way that highlights skills relevant to the job, including them is beneficial.
- It is not necessary to state your nationality.
- You do not have to give the names of referees at this stage unless the ad specifically requests them.
- Depending on the level of job applied for, if you have already had a couple of jobs or so, you do not have to elaborate on your performance at university or college.
Decide what type of CV suits you
There are three main types:
- Chronological, which lists your career history in reverse chronological order, with your current job described first.
- Functional, which concentrates on your experience and transferable skills.
- A one-page summary, which condenses your career history and dynamically summarizes your key strengths.
What Are Soft Skills?
Hiring managers typically look for job candidates with both specific hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills are job-specific skills and knowledge you need to perform a job. Hard skills are skills you can gain through education, training programs, certifications, and on-the-job training. Soft skills, on the other hand, are interpersonal (people) skills. Soft skills include, attitude, communication, creative thinking, work ethic, teamwork, networking, decision-making, positivity, time management, motivation, flexibility, problem-solving, critical thinking, and conflict resolution. Soft skills are particularly important in customer-based jobs.
Top tips for writing a cover letter
Employers may receive hundreds of applications for a job, so it is vital to make sure that the letter or email you send with your CV creates the right impression. It’s your opportunity to say why you want the job and to present yourself as a candidate for the post in a way that impresses a prospective employer and makes you stand out as a prospective employee.
1. Tailor your cover letter
Your mission in applying for a job is quite simple: to be called for interview. You, therefore, have to demonstrate to potential employers two things:
- that the skills and attributes you possess will benefit their organization;
- That you have specific and cogent reasons for wanting to work with them, rather than anybody else.
To achieve those two goals, it is vital to your letter to the organization in question: a generic cover letter simply will not do.
2. One page is enough
The optimum length for a standard cover letter is just one page, but it is not obligatory to fill the whole page. It complements your CV; it should not repeat it. Prospective employers receive dozens, if not hundreds, of CVs with cover letters. They simply have no time to read anything longer than one page.
3. Reflect the organization’s values and goals
If you are serious about working for the organization you are applying to, you have to make sure both that you suit it and that it suits you.
Research what it says ‑‑ online, in brochures, in advertising ‑‑ about its history, current practice, mission statement, and so forth. Then see how those match your skills and aspirations and try to make a link between them in your cover letter.
4. Use the appropriate tone
A cover letter is a formal document that has to be written in a particular style. But that does not mean it should be overly formal. It is best to use neutral language, and to avoid jargon and technical terms unless they are directly relevant to the post you are applying for.
Avoid contractions: write I am applying rather than I’m applying; I have gained, not I’ve gained.
5. Check and double-check
There are two main reasons for doing so. Most importantly avoid spelling mistakes. A single spelling mistake usually means instant rejection. It suggests not only that your spelling may be shaky, but also that you are not thorough.
Secondly, avoid repetition. Do not present the same information twice in different words, and try to avoid repeating words, e.g. career, skills, goals, unnecessarily.
If you can, get a partner, colleague, or friend to read the letter over. They may spot things you have missed.
6. Beginnings and endings
- If writing to a named individual, make sure you get their name and job title exactly right.
- Use Dear Ms/Mrs/Mr/Dr and surname only. Sign off a letter to a named person Yours sincerely.
- If you do not know the person’s name, write Dear Sir or Madam. Sign off Yours faithfully.
- Remember to type your name as well, to go under your signature.
Tips for Highlighting Your Soft Skills
First, make a list of the soft skills you have that are relevant to the job you want. Look at a list of soft skills, and circle the ones that you have. Then, compare your list of soft skills with the job listing. Which of these soft skills are mentioned in the listing? Which of these do you think would be most useful in this job? Make a list of three to five soft skills you have that are also needed for the job.
Then, include some of these soft skills in your resume. You can add them to a skills section (or a section titled “Transferable Skills”). You can also use them as keywords throughout your resume, mentioning them in places such as your resume summary and in descriptions of your duties for each job in your ‘Work History’ section.
Finally, you can highlight these soft skills in your interviews. You can mention examples of times you have displayed some of these skills in the past at work. However, you can also demonstrate your soft skills during the interview. For example, by being friendly and approachable during the interview, you’ll show your ability to interact with others. And by paying attention while the interviewer is talking, you will show your listening skills. These actions will demonstrate your soft skills clearly to the hiring manager.
This article first appeared in the blog entitled the balance careers and you may visit www.thebalancecareers.com to grab more if you like to know the skills you might have to make your career a real success.
