A strong CV is easy to skim through…
within six seconds the reader knows what you are about and what you can do for them.
Here are my 3 key tips for developing your CV
1. Don’t make the reader guess what job you are looking for or need to scan your employment history for a common title thread. State it at the top of the first page.
For example, Electrical Engineer – Building Services or Project Manager – Oil and Gas / Offshore shows the reader you know exactly what you want to do and if their position will interest you. If your experience is not so clear-cut and you are looking a little more general – Administration Professional – strong mobilisation and construction experience gives the reader a quick understanding of your experience, or you could show your ambitions to develop within the company with Aspiring Digital Marketer.
Listing your desired job title on the top of the first page tells the reader you know what you offer and what you want. And from there everything they read in your CV will be in line with your stated job title.
2. Identify your key experience and skills relevant to the job you are applying for and demonstrate those on the first page.
This requires reading the job description and/or researching the company and highlighting the key points (and key words). Identify your most relevant achievements related to what you have highlighted. This might be different from your most proud achievements, or something you got acknowledgement for. What have you done, most relevant to the job you are applying for? Give qualitative data and specific detail where you can. For example:
Database design and implementation to manage engineering deliverables. Tracked, reported and assigned accountability for 100,000 documents ensuring contractual compliance, scope of works completion and payment.
3. It is likely that the first person who reads your CV is an HR or Recruitment Consultant and may not have the technical knowledge that you have.
Demonstrating your suitability for the role, while retaining the technical content of your CV and ensuring readability can be tricky. Minimise the use of acronyms and avoid excessive technical or industry-specific jargon, especially in-house terms. Listing skills and key words in a ‘Key Skills’ section can help highlight your experience. Focus your Key Skills section on hard skills, software packages and technical expertise. Relevance is key, focus on your skills related to the job you want.
Clear, concise, tailored
Creating a strong CV can be tricky, but by keeping your CV clear and concise, tailored for each job, and your relevant achievements and key skills easily identified, you will submit a well-considered application and present as a strong prospective employee who understands the role.
Need more help? Get in touch with Carol today for professional CV development.