Your CV needs to be clear, concise and professional if you want it to stand out from the rest. It is estimated that each job application gets an average of 250 CVs, and someone has to go through them all, though this is a simpler task when they are digital. The process involves looking at each one and discarding the ones where it is obvious the applicant does not have the relevant experience or qualifications. That is usually somewhere in the region of half of them. If you get past this first stage, you are still competing against more than 100 other CVs.
These days, most companies expect CVs to be submitted digitally. This is because of the technological age we live in, but it can be easier for you as for the prospective employer as well.
Completing Forms
Some employers have changed the way CVs are completed by providing a form of pre-set questions for you to answer. This is particularly common in large organisations, such as government departments and corporations. It is best to answer them as honestly and clearly as you can. More commonly, however, the employer will expect you to prepare your own CV.
Decide on a Layout
The first impression an employer will get is from the look of your CV. Before they even start reading about you, they will have already decided if they like your CV’s look. You can get help to build a cv that looks professional by using a template designed for this purpose. This will help you to produce something that not only looks good but will also be clear and simple to read. Both of those things are vitally important when you are creating your CV.
Keep It Consistent
Don’t change font styles part way through your CV, and make sure it is organised. Bullet points can help when you are describing responsibilities from a previous job or listing your qualifications. You should use the same bullet points throughout the CV, as they should also be consistent.
Not Too Long
Just imagine for a moment that you are the person with more than 100 CVs you have to look at closely. The longer ones will be a nuisance, and the shorter ones are more likely to get through to the next phase. Ideally, just one or two pages is enough, as any longer will become boring and get discarded.
Edit and Edit Again
You need to check and edit your CV before you submit it. It is best to leave it for a few hours and go back to it at another time. This makes any errors that you did not spot the first time far clearer. You should also update your CV if anything changes or if it needs adapting for a different employer type.
The Correct Email Address
Remember that you will be emailing your CV and just one letter wrong in the address will mean it does not reach the person it is intended for. It is just as important to get the email address right as it is to produce a professional CV, or it will all have been a waste of time.
