How to write a CV that stands out

Writing a CV that stands out is all about presenting your skills, experience, and achievements in a way that catches the attention of hiring managers. Here are some tips to help you craft a CV that stands out from the crowd:

Tailor Your CV for the Job

Custom Fit: Adjust your CV for each job application. Highlight skills and experiences that directly relate to the job description. Use the same keywords as the job posting to get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and show that you’ve done your homework.

Focus on Relevant Experience: If you’re applying for a role that requires specific skills (e.g., leadership, technical expertise, project management), make sure these are clearly highlighted in your CV.

Create a Strong Opening

Professional Summary or Objective: Start with a brief, compelling professional summary (or objective, if you’re new to the workforce) that highlights who you are, what you bring to the table, and your career goals. Keep it concise and tailored to the position.

Example: “Results-driven digital marketing specialist with 5+ years of experience developing data-driven strategies for ecommerce brands. Adept at increasing ROI through content creation, SEO, and social media management.”

Use a Clean, Readable Layout

Simple Formatting: Use a clear, easy-to-read font (e.g., Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman) and stick to a standard size (10-12 points). Ensure there’s plenty of white space and margins for readability.

Headings & Subheadings: Organize your CV with clear headings (e.g., “Experience,” “Education,” “Skills”) to make it easy to scan. Bullet points are a great way to make information digestible.
No Unnecessary Information: Avoid adding irrelevant personal details like age, marital status, or a photo (unless specifically required).

Highlight Achievements, Not Just Duties

Quantify Your Impact: Focus on what you’ve accomplished in each role rather than just listing responsibilities. Use numbers, percentages, or specific outcomes to showcase your achievements.

Example: “Increased website traffic by 30% through targeted SEO campaigns” or “Managed a team of 5 to complete a software development project 2 weeks ahead of schedule, saving the company $15K.”

Use Action Verbs

Start bullet points with strong action verbs that show your impact. Words like “led,” “developed,” “managed,” “increased,” and “optimized” make your contributions more dynamic.

Example: “Implemented new CRM system that streamlined customer service, resulting in a 25% reduction in response time.”

Showcase Relevant Skills

Hard Skills: List technical skills like software, tools, or certifications (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Python, SEO, Project Management, etc.).

Soft Skills: Include key soft skills that employers value, such as communication, leadership, and problem-solving. However, try to demonstrate these qualities through your experiences rather than just listing them.

Education and Certifications

Degree and Institution: Include your highest level of education, relevant degrees, and institutions. If you have certifications or specialized training, list them as well.

Additional Training: If you have relevant online courses or workshops, especially if they are recent or directly related to the job you’re applying for, be sure to mention them.

Showcase a Portfolio or Personal Projects (if applicable)

Portfolio Link: If you’re in a creative field (e.g., design, writing, photography), or you’ve worked on a personal project or side business, include a link to your portfolio, website, or GitHub.

Side Projects: Include side projects or freelance work that demonstrates your skills and initiative, especially if it’s related to the role.

Incorporate Keywords for ATS

Optimize for ATS: Many companies use ATS to filter CVs. Include relevant keywords from the job posting and use them naturally in your CV. For example, if the job description mentions “project management,” make sure you include that term if it applies to your experience.

File Format: Save your CV as a Word document or PDF (unless specified otherwise) to ensure it’s ATS-compatible.

Professional Tone and No Errors

Proofread: A CV with typos or grammatical errors can make you appear unprofessional. Always proofread, and if possible, ask someone else to review it.

Consistent Language: Use clear and professional language. Avoid jargon unless it’s industry-specific and necessary.

Additional Sections (Optional)

Awards and Recognition: If you’ve won awards or received accolades relevant to your profession, consider adding a section to highlight these.

Languages: If you speak multiple languages, list them and indicate your proficiency level.
Volunteer Work: If you’ve done relevant volunteer work, include it, especially if it shows transferable skills.

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But with the right approach, you can increase your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you prepare and negotiate confidently