Make Your CV Stand Out with Our 5 Top Tips
- Nov 20, 2017
- 3 min read
The purpose of a CV is to persuade an employer that you have the skills and ability for a job role. It’s the first step in the application process, so you need to ensure it showcases what you have to offer.
Use our 5 Top Tips so your CV stands out for the right reasons, and to ensure you make the cut when applying for your perfect job role.
1. Tailor your CV to every job role application.
Check the job specification and note down what they are looking for. Alter your skills section on your CV to highlight what you can do for the employer. If they need someone who can work with InDesign then tell them you can use it.
“Employers will notice a generic CV which hasn’t been for the intended job you’re applying for. This could irritate the prospective employer, but it also won’t be able to prove you have the right skills for the job role.”
- Victoria Simpson, Careers Adviser, Solent Futures.
2. Put your skills section at the top.
Your CV should showcase your skills relevant for the intended position. Putting your skills section at the top of your CV format, will ensure these are clear to the prospective employer.
“The most important thing you can get across to the employer is your skills. So, put your skills section at the top. Lots of students put it right at the bottom but most interviewers won’t read that far if the skills don’t jump out to them. Then back these up with your experience and qualifications.”
- Lisa Curtis, Senior Lecturer, Solent University.
3. Keep it up to date
Update your CV every time you start a role, complete a placement or take on new opportunities. This will save time on applications so you get them in earlier, you’ll just need to tweak the skills to tailor it for the specific role.
“It’s important to update your CV frequently every time you take on part-time roles, volunteer or take on extra curricular activities or student union roles. You may forget to add these in if you’re rushing to send your CV off before a position deadline.”
– David Whistance, Careers advisor, Solent Futures.
4. Use Keywords
The use of relevant keywords will show you match the skills in the position requirements. List your responsibilities and duties in your experience to make sure your CV is rich in keywords.
“What the employer is looking for has been spelled out in the job description on the job advert. Note the keywords down so you know what skills they’re looking for and work this into your CV.”
- Lisa Curtis, Senior Lecturer, Solent University.
5. Remember presentation and get creative
Many fashion based roles require creative talent. Designing a creative CV on InDesign offers the opportunity to showcase your visual communication and design skills, which could draw attention to your potential. Check out some Creative CV ideas on Pinterest Here.
Make sure your layout is consistent, and that you use one font and appropriate font sizes. Keep it 1-2 pages and use bullet points and short sentences to add focus.
Bonus tip: Don’t make the common mistake of including personal information that could lead to discrimination.
“We always advise that personal information should be kept to: name, address (city and postcode will do), telephone, email. There is no reason whatsoever to include marital status, religion or age."
- Elizabeth Bacchus founder of The Successful CV Company, The Guardian.
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