Whether you’ve recently finished school and are looking for a part-time job to support yourself through sixth form, are looking for a way to make some money whilst studying for your university degree, or have recently graduated and can’t wait to get your foot into the world of full-time work, your CV is an essential part of any job application.
Whatever kind of job or career options you are applying for, making sure that your CV stands out and grabs the attention of your potential employers is key to landing the job of your dreams.
We’ve put together some simple tips and tricks to help you make your CV more impressive.
Tip #1. Focus on your personal statement
Your personal statement is usually found at the beginning of your CV and is a few sentences in which you describe yourself, your key strengths, ambitions and goals, and anything that you could bring to the job. Since it is most likely the first thing that your potential employer will read about you, getting it right is crucial. The key here is to make it unique – anybody can talk about their qualities, so back your skills up with examples of when you’ve used them and place emphasis on your most recent and relevant skills and abilities. Don’t be afraid to also mention things such as your interesting hobbies and interests, which could set you apart from the crowd.
Tip #2. Tailor your cv
When applying for jobs, many people make the mistake of thinking that their CV is simply a ‘one-size-fits-all’ document. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Even if you are applying for similar positions in the same industries, bear in mind that every individual employer is different, with varying goals for their company and staff. Before sending your CV to a potential employer, do some research on their company to find out their main values and ensure that your application is tailored to suit them. Often, employers will post a job description with their position advertisement. Read this carefully beforehand so that you have a good idea of exactly what they are looking for and can adapt your CV accordingly.
Tip #3. Use keywords
If you are using online staff finding websites and job application platforms such as the Staff Heroes Website, then you’ll not only be able to send your CV to specific employers, but they’ll also be able to search for you. Many employers will use keywords based on the position to search for suitable candidates. So, taking the time to do some keyword research and including relevant ones in your CV will help you stand out in front of more suitable employers.
Tip #4. Do something to stand out
When it comes to making your CV stand out, there’s only so much you can do when putting pen to paper. Instead, be proactive by adding more activities and skills to your collection in real life, so that you can add them on to your CV. For example, if you are applying for creative jobs, creating an online portfolio or blog that shows off your talents can be a great way to stand out since this can be linked to your CV for prospective employers to visit. Voluntary work is also a great way to show that you have a great attitude towards work and are willing to help when needed. Other ideas include running your own small business, organising a charity fundraiser or sponsorship, or even doing something newsworthy.
Did these tips help you improve your CV? Let us know in the comments!
Kidal Delonix is a contributor to Mr. Hoffman's blog. The views and opinions are entirely his/her own and may not reflect Mr Hoffman's views.
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