Navigating the CV Minefield: The Dos and Don’ts
Ah, the CV. That magical document where you transform your life story into a bullet-pointed masterpiece that screams, “Hire me!”. Writing a CV is like trying to fit an elephant into a suitcase - you know it’s important, but it can be a real struggle. Fear not! Here’s a guide to the dos and don’t of crafting a CV that will shortlist you for interviews.
Do: Keep it Relevant
You want to be engaging, interesting and leave the hiring manager wanting more. General rule of thumb is a max of two pages. Yes, you need to summarise your awesomeness into two pages. Recruiters don’t need every single detail, but they need an overall understanding of your experiences, capabilities and achievements.
Don’t: Lie
Ok, we all want to look impressive, but lying on your CV is like using a fake ID - it might get you in the door, but it’s bound to get you into trouble eventually. If you claim you’re Advance on Power Automate when in fact you have only used it once or twice, supervised, you’re in for some awkward conversations with your new manager if they ask you to fix a workflow during your first couple of weeks starting.
Do: Tailor Your CV to the Job
Each job is unique, and your CV should reflect that. Customise your CV for each application by highlighting the skills and experiences that match the job description. Yes, it’s extra work, but think of it as dressing up for a costume party, you wouldn’t wear a cowboy outfit to a pirate-themed bash right?
Don’t: Use Buzzwords Without Substance
Everyone’s a “team player”, and “results-driven” these days. Instead of relying on clichés, provide specific examples that demonstrate these qualities. Prove that you’re a team player by talking about how you led a successful project. Show you’re results-driven by sharing quantifiable achievements.
Do: Proofread
Typos and grammatical errors are the spinach in your teeth of the CV world - they’re small but can leave a big impression. Use spellcheck, but also read through your CV several times and maybe have a friend give it a once-over. You want to come across as detail-oriented, not like you failed English 101.
Writing a CV can feel like walking a tightrope, but with these tips and our bespoke workshops, you’ll be on your way to creating a document that truly reflects your skills and potential. So, go fourth, job seeker and may your CV shine brighter than a supernova in a recruiter’s inbox.
