How to Make Sure That Your CV Stands Out: A Hiring Manager’s Perspective

As a hiring manager, I see dozens, sometimes even hundreds, of CVs every day. Many of these documents contain impressive skills and qualifications, but only a few stand out enough to earn an interview. Here’s how you can ensure yours lands you the job.

1. Tailor Your CV to the Job Description

One of the most common mistakes I see is a generic CV that feels like it could be sent to any job posting. Take the time to tailor your CV for each position you apply for. Start by carefully reading the job description and matching your skills and experiences to what the company is looking for. Highlight your relevant experience, and don’t be afraid to use similar language to the job listing. This tells me that you’ve taken the time to think about how your experience fits into what we need.

Pro Tip: Use keywords from the job description. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter CVs, and including those keywords can help your CV make it past the initial screening.

2. Keep It Clear, Concise, and Easy to Read

As a hiring manager, I’m often on a tight schedule, and I don’t have time to dig through long or complicated CVs. Make your CV easy to scan by keeping it simple and to the point. Avoid lengthy paragraphs—use bullet points to break down your skills and achievements. Make sure that your font is professional and easy to read, and don’t go over two pages unless absolutely necessary.

Pro Tip: Organize your CV in sections such as Contact Information, Professional Summary, Skills, Work Experience, Education, and Certifications. The clearer the structure, the more likely it is that I’ll be able to find the information I need quickly.

3. Quantify Your Achievements

I don’t just want to know what your responsibilities were in previous roles; I want to know how well you performed them. Whenever possible, include numbers and measurable achievements. Did you increase sales by 20%? Did you manage a team of 15 employees? Numbers make your accomplishments tangible and help me see the impact you’ve made in previous roles.

4. Customize Your Professional Summary

The professional summary at the top of your CV is your chance to make a great first impression. This section should be a concise overview of who you are, what you’ve done, and what you can bring to the role. Customize it for each job you apply to, focusing on the experience and skills most relevant to the position. A well-written professional summary can grab my attention and make me want to read the rest of your CV.

5. Use Action Verbs

Your work experience section should be dynamic and impactful. Start each bullet point with a strong action verb that describes what you accomplished. For example, words like “led,” “managed,” “developed,” “implemented,” and “achieved” show that you were actively engaged and making a difference in your previous roles. Passive language makes your CV sound less engaging and doesn’t effectively showcase your skills.

6. Don’t Forget to Proofread

Typos, grammar mistakes, and formatting inconsistencies can be a red flag. They suggest that you may lack attention to detail or aren’t fully committed to presenting yourself professionally. Always proofread your CV, or better yet, ask someone else to review it for you. A polished, error-free CV tells me that you take pride in your work and are serious about the job.

7. Include Relevant Certifications or Skills

In today’s competitive job market, showing that you’re up-to-date with industry certifications or have specific skills can give you an edge. If you’ve completed relevant courses, gained certifications, or learned new technologies, be sure to include them. This shows that you’re committed to continuous learning and staying ahead in your field.

8. Provide Links to Your Online Portfolio (If Applicable)

If you’re applying for a creative or technical role, include a link to your online portfolio or GitHub. This allows me to see examples of your work and how you apply your skills in real-world projects. Just make sure your portfolio is up-to-date and professionally presented.

9. Use Free Resume Builders

If you are struggling with formatting or want to give your CV a more professional look, there are several free resume builders that can help you create a standout document. Here are a few that I recommend:

Canva: This platform offers a variety of customizable templates that look modern and professional.
Zety: Provides templates and guides to help you create a resume that is both ATS-friendly and visually appealing.
Novoresume: Known for its user-friendly interface and sleek designs.
Resume.com: Offers a straightforward, easy-to-use resume builder with basic templates.

Using one of these tools can help you present your information in a clean and organized way without having to worry about formatting issues.

Conclusion

Your CV is your first opportunity to make a strong impression on a potential employer, so make it count. By tailoring your CV to the job, keeping it clear and concise, and highlighting your achievements, you can stand out from the crowd. Take advantage of the free tools available to create a professional document, and always make sure your CV is error-free. With these tips, you’ll be much more likely to land an interview and get closer to the job you want.

Good luck!

Published on: 25 September 2024