Your CV is more than just a list of jobs, experience and qualifications, it’s often your first impression to potential employers. In a competitive job market, having a good CV is no longer enough. To truly stand out, your CV needs to be exceptional.
So, with that here’s how you can transform a good CV into one that commands attention and opens doors to interviews.
A great way to elevate your CV is to replace generic descriptions of duties with specific achievements.
1. Understand the Purpose of Your CV
Your CV is your personal marketing tool. Its function is to secure you an interview by showcasing your qualifications, experience, and skills in a way that aligns with the employer’s needs. Before diving into updating your CV, take a minute and ask yourself: “Does this document sell me effectively for the role I want?”
2. Tailor Your CV for Every Role
A one-size-fits-all CV won’t cut it and won’t work. Employers are looking for candidates who demonstrate a clear understanding of the role and the company. Customise your CV for each application by:
- Highlighting the skills and experiences that are relevant to the job description.
- Using language and keywords from the job posting.
- Showcasing specific professional achievements that align with the company’s goals.
- For example, if the role prioritises project management, emphasise your leadership in successfully completing similar projects.
3. Structure Matters
Our recruiters are very thorough in PE Global when it comes to reviewing CV. However, that’s not often the case with other companies, talent acquisition teams who may often spend less than 30 seconds scanning a CV. So, make it easy to read and navigate. Use a clear, professional format with these essential sections:
- Personal Information: Include your name, contact details, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable).
- Professional Summary: A concise statement (2–4 sentences) summarising your expertise, achievements, and career goals. Think of it as your elevator pitch.
- Work Experience: List your roles in reverse chronological order, focusing on responsibilities and accomplishments.
- Education: Highlight relevant qualifications and certifications.
- Skills: Emphasise hard and soft skills applicable to the role.
Lastly, stick to a clean, professional font, and avoid unnecessary design elements that might distract from the actual immediate content.
4. Focus on Achievements, Not Duties
A great way to elevate your CV is to replace generic descriptions of duties with specific achievements. For example, instead of saying:
“Managed a team of employees,”
say:
“I led a team of 10 to achieve a 15% increase in productivity over six months.”
Quantifying your impact with metrics (e.g., percentages, revenue increases, or time saved) gives recruiters and hiring managers a clear sense of the value you can bring to a role.
5. Leverage Keywords and Action Verbs
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) often screen CVs before a human even sees them. To pass this stage, use industry-relevant keywords from the job description. Combine this with action verbs like “implemented,” “developed,” or “streamlined” to make your accomplishments more dynamic.
6. Highlight Transferable Skills
If you’re changing industries or roles, emphasise transferable skills that demonstrate your adaptability and potential. For instance, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership skills are valued across all sectors.
As previously mentioned, use specific examples to show how you’ve applied these skills and connect them to the requirements of the job.
7. Keep It Concise
While it’s tempting to include every detail of your career, remember that less is often more. Aim for a CV length of:
- 1 page if you’re early in your career.
- 2 pages if you have significant experience.
Focus on the last 10–15 years of experience and avoid irrelevant details. Every word should add value to your application.
8. Proofread for Perfection
It’s a common bugbear for many, but a single typo or grammatical error can create a poor impression. Proofread your CV multiple times and consider asking a trusted friend, family member or colleague to review it as well. Tools like Grammarly can help you catch mistakes you might overlook. But make sure it’s set to the right.
9. Include a Professional Touch
Beyond the content, a few professional touches can elevate your CV:
- Consistent Formatting: Ensure alignment, spacing, and punctuation are uniform.
- Professional Email Address: Use a simple, professional email (e.g., john.doe@gmail.com).
- Optional Enhancements: Add a link to your portfolio of work, website, or LinkedIn profile to give employers a deeper insight into your work.
10. Seek Feedback and Revise
Even the best CV can benefit from a second opinion. Share your CV with mentors, colleagues, or recruiters to gain constructive feedback. As your career evolves, continue refining your CV to reflect your latest achievements and skills.
Your Next Steps
Transforming your CV from good to great takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. A standout CV not only increases your chances of landing an interview but also positions you as a strong candidate in the eyes of employers.
Looking for more advice? At PE Global, we specialise in helping professionals enhance their careers. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming for the next big step, we’re here to guide you. Contact us today to achieve your career goals.
