You might have all the skills required for your dream job, however there could be one thing getting in your way to acquiring it – your CV. Follow our guide to nailing your next application.
Each CV must be unique to the job candidate, the industry, and the office environment. No two jobs are exactly alike, as such no two applications should the same either. Follow our step by step plan on to how to write the perfect CV and you could be on your way to dream job status…
Complete The Basics
While no two applications should be the same, there are certain common sections you should cover: personal and contact information; education and qualifications; work history and/or experience; relevant skills to the job in question; own interests, achievements or hobbies; and references (someone who you have worked for or a tutor).
Tailor It
Adapt your CV for every job you apply for. You don’t have to re-write the whole thing, just edit the details so they’re relevant.
Add Your Social
Being active on social platforms is seen as a positive – you are up-to-date on trends. If you have a Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn account add that to your CV along with your relevant handles. Most recruiters now Google search potential staff so ensure your social content is up to date (someone who posts once a month might seem behind compared to their more active competitors). However, ensure the content is clean and respectful. Images of you on a hedonistic night out won’t be considered desirable.
Presentation Is Key
This is not a kindergarten project so don’t try experimenting with the presentation. Keep it simple and clear. Stick to one font and one colour and print it out on crisp, white paper. If posting your CV, send it in an A4 envelope as to avoid it creasing.
Be Concise
Even if you do have reams of experience summarise your skills. Remember your CV is not a biography and the recruiter doesn’t have time to shift through all your stories. The CV in total should not be more than two pages (single-sided). Keep the key points on the first page in the upper middle area – this is where the recruiter’s eye will naturally fall.
Don’t Mind The Gaps
Due to the faltering economy, a gap in your CV, where perhaps you freelanced or took on short-term employment, no longer raises eyebrows. You can always explain the necessary gaps (with a positive spin) in your covering letter.
Don’t Forget Your Cover
You’ll be surprised by the number of people who forget to send a cover letter along with their CV. The cover letter is a chance to more fully explain your employment history as well as highlight the relevant skills you possess that are required for the job.
Use Key Words
When applying for jobs electronically chances are the CV will be shifted first through a computer system, as opposed to a human, which means using key words and corporate speech will help. If you’re struggling to work out which key words are relevant simply go through the job application and read the details from start to finish, making bullet points of the skills asked for. Then work out out how your own experience can be transferable to fit the role.
Use assertive and positive language when describing your experience. Use words like “developed”, “organised” or “achieved”.
Add Hobbies
If you do you have interests outside of work list them. Raised Dhs10,000 of a charity trek? Add it. Part of a dragon boat race team? Add it. Your hobbies section, while not vital to the job, allows the recruiter to understand your personality. As such it can help set you apart you from a close competition.
