Research shows that the average recruiter spends 6-7 seconds looking at your CV before deciding whether you’re suitable for the job.
So how do we make sure your CV stands out from the crowd? This blog will run through our top tips on how to create an eye-catching CV.
According to Career Sidekick, an open position can receive 250 applicants online. Only 2-3% of those applicants will be invited to the interview stage. The best way to ensure you are in that 2-3% is to create a powerful CV that remains in the minds of the hiring manager! Let’s go through the key parts of a typical CV- but remember CVs are flexible and might differ due to sector.
The header on your CV should include your full name, professional title and contact information. Your contact information should include your phone number and email address, all of which must be up-to-date and accessible. You want to make it easy for the hiring manager to contact you!
You can add your address if you wish, but this isn’t necessary. Instead, put the area you’re in or if you are willing to relocate or travel.
According to CNBC, a personal profile/CV summary is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate what makes you a ‘strong candidate’. It usually tells the key facts like the industry you work in, what your goals are and what you have achieved. This can be useful to show a little bit of character and usually will align with the job you’re applying for. On average, the profile shouldn’t be longer than 8 sentences as the rest of your CV will act as supporting evidence!
Your work history is one of the most important parts of your CV. Experience is a huge factor in whether an employer thinks you’re suitable for a position. Your previous job experience should be displayed from most recent to least recent. Give each job a bold subheading and beneath bullet point key responsibilities you had. Again, try to match your previous responsibilities to the position you’re applying for.
Example:
Recruitment Consultant 2019 – 2022 | Connectment Ltd, Gateshead
Recruitment Consultant within the Energy sector, recruiting electrical engineers, HV Fitters, Project Managers and more.
Responsibilities:
Achievements:
You should always consider your responsibilities and your achievements. Each section’s bullet points will show how your previous experience has forged your current capabilities. They also show what you’ve achieved and what you could achieve at your next job.
You want to follow this format for the rest of your work experience. A good rule of thumb is to omit any jobs you had over 10 years ago that aren’t relevant to your current position. For example, if you are looking for work as an electrical engineer and your first job at the age of 16 was working in a corner shop then you can omit it.
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Education can be important depending on the job you’re going for. If you haven’t had a lot of previous jobs then education can help bulk your CV out. Again, format your education or qualifications the same as your work experience. If a job listing requires you to have certain qualifications or training it’s important to add these on.
BA English Literature, 2:1, Newcastle University, 2019
Or
10 GCSE’s A-C, ___ College, 2016
There are other things you might want to add to your CV, but use this at your discretion. You do not have to include these, but if you are struggling to fill out your CV, you may want to!
The worst thing your CV can be is unorganised. It should be neat and easy to read! Below is how we recommend formatting your CV.
There you go, these are our top tips on how to write a great CV! The best way to get noticed by a hiring manager is to tailor your CV to the job you’re applying for. This can take a lot of time, but will make you stand out if you can align your experience with what they are looking for!
Connectment Ltd is a consultancy-based recruitment company. Our reputation is based on proven results, as we are dedicated to providing our clients and candidates with the best possible service. If you are interested in working with us, get in touch today.