6 Tips To Make Your CV Stand Out From The Crowd

Making your CV stand out from thecrowd can be difficult, especially in a competitive recruitment process. So how do you ensure you are noticed?

According to recruiting experts at Hays, it is important to understand that the direct purpose of your CV is to secure an interview and not the job. At this stage, getting a foot in the door needs to be the main focus.

Susie Timlin, Global Director of People & Culture at Hays Talent Solutions, offers six tips to help put you ahead of the competition.
Your personal statement:
“A concise personal statement directly beneath your contact details provides employers with a snapshot of your key skills and work ambitions,” she says. “It’s the first place an employer is likely to look, so succinctly detail your proudest achievements here.”

Matching the job description:
“Try to use adjectives that are similar to those used in the job advertisement, without replicating it word for word. If the employer prioritises someone with ‘effective leadership skills’ then make sure you demonstrate yours during the early part of your personal statement.”

Avoid clichés:
“Remember that employers are interested in tangible evidence of your abilities, not just a list of overused adjectives. It’s not enough to just say that you’re hardworking, loyal and a good team player, you need to be able to demonstrate it with solid evidence,” says Susie.

Provide hard evidence of your achievements:
“Similarly, when listing achievements, keep in mind that what really impresses employers is data. If you can illustrate your achievements with facts and figures – how much revenue you brought to the business that year, how much the client increased their investment by and so on – then do.”

Put yourself in the thick of the action:
“Remember that you are trying to sell yourself. Using phrases like ‘was involved in’ and ‘assisted’ implies that you were more of a bystander than an instigator. Use strong action verbs and take credit where credit is due. However, never claim involvement in something that had nothing to do with you and don’t bad mouth former colleagues or employers.”

Make it accessible:
“The most often overlooked point is to make your CV as accessible as possible. Send the document over as a PDF to ensure easy viewing. Make sure all the font is of a legible size and your contact details are correct. Recruiters appreciate a streamlined process!”

Susie offers one final thought on the subject:
“Of the many CVs I review each week, I appreciate the clear, concise, and accessible ones the most. Build your CV around a few key achievements which relate directly to the job advertisement and you can progress to the next stage of the process.”

If you would like an informal discussion about the Australian job market, please contact Hays on 1800 805 051 or email [email protected].