It seems as if the rules for creating the perfect CV are constantly changing. Is it too long if it is two pages? How much of your work history is too much? Should you include your junior certification results? If you are constantly falling at the first hurdle, maybe it is time to look into your information and CV one more time, just to see if there are common patterns that you should be avoiding. It does not have to be as complicated as you may think.
Format
Whether submitted online or inperson, the format is important to get right as it is the first thing potential employers will see. Working chronologically, you can choose to include a personal statement that highlights some of your hobbies and interests that are beneficial to the job you are applying for. Make sure to tailor this information to the company you are submitting to each time. A concise CV of up to two pages is what you will be aiming for.
Design
Job-dependent, the design of your CV can change. If you are looking to enter a creative industry or design, your CV can reflect those qualities you possess. But for the most part, a simple design made from a Word Document is best. With an easy-to-read font, headings and sub-headings, your experience can speak for itself without any distracting frills.
Contact information
The most important part of your CV is your contact information. Make sure to put it at the top of your page, highlighting your email, phone number and basic address. Avoid adding your age and photo, as this is unnecessary information for employers who work unbiased.
Use the job description
Keywords are great to use in the personal statement to get your personality across, but when you are highlighting your strengths and skills in relation to the position, make sure they align. Using the job description already available, you should be able to see what sort of individual they are looking for. Sometimes your values may not align perfectly, but you could reframe those as a positive thing to help recruiters realise what they need.
Proofread
Spelling and grammar issues are more likely to stand out in a CV as recruiters are scouring information to find the perfect candidate. For this, it is important to make sure you proofread your application before you submit it. It might even be helpful to have someone look over it for you so they can provide an unbiased opinion. Do not let small mistakes ruin your chances.
Keep it updated
Once you have done all of this work, you must keep it up to date. Even if you plan to stay in your current position for a while, it would not hurt to update your CV during your employment. This way, you can make sure you add skills and experience that you may otherwise forget. It can also serve as a nice reminder of the hard work you are currently doing and compare that to the start of your employment journey.
