In today’s highly digital and competitive job market, having a well-crafted and effective CV is crucial to stand out from the crowd. Companies often use software systems to scan CVs before they even reach a human eye, so it’s essential to optimise your CV for the digital age.
In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips and tricks to create a CV that stands out in the digital age.
Use Keywords
Including keywords in your CV is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, many companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter CVs based on selected keywords. These systems are designed to identify the most fitting candidates for a role, and keywords are a fundamental part of this process. By including relevant keywords in your CV, you substantially increase the chance of your application making it past this initial screening.
Secondly, keywords can help highlight your skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. By using the same keywords found in the job description, you’re demonstrating a clear alignment between what the employer is looking for and what you have to offer. This can make your CV much more appealing to hiring managers, and substantially improve your chances of getting an interview.
Focus On Your Achievements
Highlighting your achievements in your CV is important for a few reasons. First and foremost, it helps employers see the value you can bring beyond your basic responsibilities. Your achievements are solid proof of your skills and abilities, showing that you can deliver results and go above and beyond.
By showcasing what you’ve accomplished, you stand out from other candidates with similar qualifications and experiences. It gives you an edge and makes your CV more compelling, increasing your chances of snagging an interview. So, your achievements aren’t just about past success, but also a strong indicator of what you can achieve in the future.
Optimise Your CV For Readability
Improving the readability of your CV is not just about making it easier for the prospective employer to digest the information but also about creating a professional impression. In a competitive job market, a CV that is concise, clear, and easy to read can be the difference between getting an interview call and having your application tossed aside.
The employer should be able to quickly scan the document and understand your key qualifications and experiences. A well-structured CV, with bullet points, bolded text, and clear headers, improves readability and helps employers to find the information they need with ease. Hence, enhancing the readability of your CV is an integral part of effective job hunting.
Consider Including Your Social Media Profiles
In today’s digital age, social media can be a powerful tool to showcase one’s professional brand. Including links to your social media profiles on your CV can be beneficial, but it entirely depends on the content.
LinkedIn is generally acceptable to include, as it’s a platform dedicated to professional networking. It provides a space where you can highlight your skills, endorsements, and recommendations that may not fit into a two-page CV.
However, including personal accounts like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter should be considered carefully. These are beneficial if they are maintained professionally and depict your knowledge and passion in your work field. For instance, a graphic designer sharing his/her creations on Instagram or a digital marketer displaying his/her prowess on Twitter.
Remember, potential employers could scrutinize these profiles, and any unprofessional content could potentially harm your chances. Therefore, ensure that your online presence aligns with your professional image before you include any links in your CV.
Keep It Concise
A CV serves as your professional snapshot, providing potential employers with a quick overview of your qualifications, skills, and experiences. Keeping your CV concise is crucial as it ensures that the most relevant information is easily discernible. Hiring managers often sift through numerous CVs, leaving little time to scrutinise each one in detail.
According to StandOut CV, industry research shows that recruiters spend 6-8 seconds, on average, looking at your CV before they decide whether you are suitable for the role.
A concise CV, typically limited to one or two pages, helps keep the reader’s attention, enhancing your chances of securing an interview. Moreover, it conveys your ability to communicate effectively and prioritise information, both valuable skills in any workplace. So, while it may be tempting to include every detail of your career history, remember that in the case of CVs, less is often more.
Contact our Team of Recruitment Experts
If you’re looking for a job and you would also like help with your CV, Pure Staff are here to help. Contact us today to see how we can help you find a job.
