How to stand out with your CV?
The job market is very competitive.
Standing out with your CV can feel like wanting to be noticed in a full stadium of screaming fans, all wearing the same jersey.
Everyone has enthusiasm, experience and qualifications, so how to rise above the crowd?
This guide is here to help you stand out with your CV and let it do more than just gather dust at the bottom of a recruiter’s inbox.
Start with a bang: the personal statement
First impressions are really important. Let the top of your CV be a sales pitch and use it for a strong personal statement. Make it short and snappy, but interesting enough to make the recruiter think: I want to meet that person!
What not to do: “Hi, I’m John and I’m looking for a job in accounting because I need to pay my bills.”
What to do: “Enthusiastic accountant with over 5 years of experience in corporate finance, specialising in tax efficiency and financial forecasting. Passionate about helping companies streamline their processes and maximise profits.”
The first one sounds like John might be applying because his mum made him, while the second one paints John as a proactive expert. In just two sentences, you should convey confidence, passion, and the value you’ll bring to the company. Try to not state the obvious but add a bit of an extra spark.
Tailor, tailor, tailor!
We’ve all been guilty of this: sending the same CV over and over again to different companies. But a recruiter’s nose smells the one-size-fits-all CV from miles away! Now your CV does not only miss the right fit to the job advert, it also shows that you haven’t put much effort into customising it to the specific vacancy. Tailoring your CV to each job you apply for may seem time-consuming, but it’s one of the best ways to stand out so it’s definitely worth the effort.
How to tailor: Use the job description as your guide. If they’re looking for someone with project management experience, be sure your CV highlights that experience. If they’re looking for ‘strong teamwork skills’, then dig into your past to show where you thrived in a team environment.
Bonus advice: Keywords matter. Recruiters often use automated systems to scan CVs before a human even looks at them. Including keywords from the job advert gives you a better chance of making it past these scanning robots.
Prove it with numbers
It’s one thing to say you’re good at something. It’s another thing to prove it. In other words: show, don’t tell. Numbers and data are your friends when it comes to making an impact.
Vague statement: “I was responsible for improving sales performance.”
Impressive foundation: “I increased the sales of company X by 20% in Q2 2023 by launching a targeted email marketing campaign.”
Numbers provide context. If you saved the company money, then also name how much. If you led a team, then tell how many people you were guiding. Hard data show recruiters that you don’t just talk the talk, but you also walk the walk.
Show some personality
Last but not least: show some true colours! You’re not just a working bee because you bring yourself to the work floor. Most CVs are fairly dry, but who says they have to be? Injecting a bit of personality can make you memorable.
Same old hobby section: “I like reading, travelling, eating out and socialising.”
Original personal touch: “I’m a passionate lover of Scandinavian movies and I think Den Skyldige (2018) is an amazing piece of art. On the edge of my seat till the last minute!”
The first one sounds like you just named some obvious things to fill out this personal section but no recruiter will be blown away by this. Turn it around: would you be positively surprised if someone names these things?
The second one shows that you’re really passionate about something. The recruiter may not have the same hobby but you may stick in his or her mind as that ‘Scandinavian movie girl/guy’. At least you left a memorable impression and usually that’s what it’s all about. And imagine the recruiter likes Scandinavian movies too: then you’ve really hit the jackpot! Either way you show that you’re a well-rounded person who might be great to chat with in the office kitchen.
Long story short
So in summary: standing out with your CV doesn’t require wizardry or a graphic design degree. By tailoring your CV, highlighting key achievements with numbers and injecting a bit of personality, you’re already ahead of the game. So, what are you waiting for? Time to dust off that CV and start applying!
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