Hints and Tips for Candidates Updating Their CV
If you’re hunting for a new job, then the most important thing you can do is update your CV. Your CV is your first chance to impress recruiters and grab their attention for all the right reasons. The strength of your CV will determine whether you’re invited to interview for the job role, so it’s important that it highlights your experience and your skills. So, what should you include in your CV? What separates a good CV from a great one? Here are some top hints and tops for candidates updating their CV:
Proofread Your CV Thoroughly
It should go without saying, but if your CV contains any spelling and format errors or grammatical mistakes then this will prove a massive red flag for recruiters. Failing to take the time to proofread your own CV will show a lack of attention that could translate into a lack of attention in your job role.
As well as proofreading your CV you should also ensure that it is written in a way that is easy for recruiters to read and digest. Keep paragraphs short, add plenty of line breaks, and perhaps consider introducing bullet points. Use bullet points to clearly identify your main achievements, skills, and accomplishments.
Don’t Share Too Much Personal Information
90% of recruiters share that they rely on social media, as well as on the CVs in front of them when they assess a candidate. But that doesn’t mean that you have to share your social media links on your CV. Often sharing too much personal information can be a turn-off to recruiters, so don’t be tempted to overshare, stick to the basics, and focus on your academic experience and job history, rather than on your personal life, which has no real place on a professional CV.
Tailor Your CV for Each Job Role
Your CV should not be seen as a ‘one size fits all’ document: instead, you should have several different versions of your CV, and then tailor the most relevant version to suit each job role. A tailored CV will mean that your application is perfectly suited for any job that you are applying for. It will also better allow you to highlight the skills and experience that you have that will attract the attention of the recruiter. When tailoring your CV, you can even ensure that you mirror the job advert that you are responding to by including relevant keywords in your CV that appear in the original job listing. Keyword scanning is a tool that recruiters often use to determine if you tick all the right boxes so tailoring your CV is a great way to ensure you fulfil these criteria.
Conclusion
Found the job advert of your dreams? Don’t rush to send your CV! Take the time to ensure that you check the spelling and format, that you adopt a professional and friendly tone, and that you highlight your relevant experience and skills. Updating your CV is one of the best things you can do if you’re hoping to secure a new job role, so it’s important that you take the time to get it right. If you need help with your CV please get in touch we can help with templates and giving you personal guidance, just call us on 01698 628092.
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