How to Write the Perfect CV: Cutting Through the Noise

There are countless articles online promising the perfect CV in 5, 7, 10, or even more steps. The trouble is, they often contradict each other. After reading numerous articles, we've distilled the common threads to find out what the crucial steps really are.

Making Your CV Stand Out

Everyone agrees your CV needs to stand out while remaining professional, clean, easy to read, and ATS-friendly. Avoid complex design elements, uncommon font styles, and needless page breaks. These can confuse ATS systems, meaning your application might never reach a human decision-maker.

Finding the Right Length

Some say you should list all your experience; others insist that shorter is better (citing the statistic that hiring managers spend just 7 seconds on average looking at a CV). The truth is likely somewhere in the middle. Include all relevant information and try to keep your CV to 2-3 pages. No matter what industry you work in, nobody will find the job you did 10+ years ago relevant to your current application.

Proofread for Perfection

It might seem obvious, but we often see CVs with spelling or grammar mistakes. Use tools like spell checkers and grammar aids to correct typos before you save your work. However, use these tools carefully, as they are not 100% perfect.

Update Your Contact Information

Another seemingly obvious point, ensure your contact information is up-to-date. We still encounter CVs with incorrect email addresses or phone numbers, making it impossible for employers to get in touch.

Detail Your Employment History

List your employment history in reverse chronological order, with your most recent job at the top. Provide brief duty descriptions for each position, but make sure they are accurate and tailored to each role. Even if your jobs were similar or almost the same, make the effort to give context. For example, if you were a hotel chef, mention the size of the hotel, the style of the menu, and the average covers per service. Also very important to quantify your achievements — improved sales by 20%, reduced wastage by 7%, managed a team of 15, etc.

Utilise Keywords for ATS Systems

Using the right keywords can significantly improve your CV’s ranking in ATS systems.

Here’s how you can do it:

• Job Ad Analysis: Start by carefully reading the job ad. Identify key terms and phrases that are repeated or emphasized. These often indicate what the employer considers most important.

• Industry-Specific Terms: Make sure your CV includes relevant industry-specific terms. For instance, if you're applying for a chef position, include terms like "menu development,", "kitchen management," and "food safety."
  

• Soft Skills and Achievements: Don’t forget to include keywords related to soft skills and achievements. Words like "leadership," "team collaboration," "problem-solving," and "customer satisfaction" can be crucial, especially in managerial or customer-facing roles.

• Consistency: This is probably the most important. Use the same terminology as the job ad. If the ad mentions "customer service," use that exact phrase rather than synonyms like "client relations." This consistency helps the ATS match your CV with the job requirements.

Include a Personal Summary

Start your CV with a professional summary that encapsulates your experience, skills, and career goals. This section should be a snapshot of what you bring to the table.

A well-crafted professional summary sets the tone for the rest of your CV and can significantly improve your chances of making a strong first impression. Think of it as a short cover letter within your CV.

Do I Need a Cover Letters in 2024?

Well, yes and no. If you add a personal summary to your CV as mentioned in the previous point, probably you don't need a separate cover letter. However, if you decide to write one, keep it concise, A4 page-long cover letters are often a waste of time. Most hiring managers won't even read them.

Highlight Your Education and Certifications

Mention all degrees and work-related certificates. If you have significant work experience, including your high school information is probably less important. Focus on higher education and any certifications relevant to the job you're applying for. This adds credibility and shows your commitment to professional development.

Remember, these tips are guidelines and may vary by industry. After reviewing many articles written in 2024, these are the key points that stood out. If you need help crafting a killer CV or want to enhance your LinkedIn profile, drop us a message—we're here to help!