Recruiters and CV advice professionals commonly report how often they receive questions from job-seekers looking to find out what their resume is missing or what needs to be changed. This article outlines the best advice they have to offer.
The first piece of advice is never to agonize over every tiny resume detail. Job seekers often spend so much time and effort with their CV that they forget that there are other things that can help to increase their chances of getting employed. It is actually very uncommon to get employed by the merits of your CV alone, with phone calls being just as important. Networking through online services such as LinkedIn, and getting your name out there in general is often the best way to increase your chances of getting a job, and not agonizing over every detail of your resume.
When it comes to writing your CV, keep it simple and keep it traditional. Pick a standard font between the sizes 9-12, and be consistent with it throughout the CV. Review it with a simple format that makes it look exactly like it would when printed out.
Should you use summaries and objective statements? Some people say yes, and others say no, and the best choice will no doubt reflect the industry you are looking for a job in. Such things can often get in the way of a clear CV, so don’t use them if you are unsure.
Another important piece of advice is to show and not tell. For example, this could mean including statistics of how you helped increase performance, and not just a statement saying that you increased performance. If you are giving your CV to the employer directly, then make sure you remove keywords and other clich? phrases that otherwise get your CV noticed in CV databases.
In regards to language, use objective and concise wording, and do not rely on emotional language to try and give your CV more impact. Your CV is not a creative essay, and you should not treat it as such.
