Six steps to creating the perfect CV

Here are six steps to help you create the perfect CV:

1. Cut the lint

Keep your CV up to date, especially with your most recent accomplishments, and make sure it is clear and concise including only relevant information.

List your experience in chronological order, and while it may be tempting, don’t leave any noticeable gaps. Be honest about what you were doing at the time, but present things in the most positive light possible. If you try to hide or overlook something, a potential employer will likely pick up on it.

2. One size does not fit all

Stand out from the crowd by researching exactly what the position entails, and then customize your CV to show how you have those traits. Be specific and show how interested you are in the position by doing a little extra work. The hiring committee will appreciate it. Highlight the particular skills, experiences, and attributes that you think the organization will be looking for. To tailor your CV to a specific job, you may have to change a few words and phrases here and there, but the time may be worth it.

3. Speak the talk

Put a lot of light on your relevant good qualities and skills, putting all negativity aside. Look for keywords in the company ad or job description and use them in your CV. You can also demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of your chosen profession using relevant terminology, but be careful not to use too much jargon. Try to show competence, not arrogance.

4. Write it correctly

One mistake on your CV might be all it takes to rule it out. Use a spell checker, reread it, and ask someone else to double-check it if possible.

You have very little time to make the best impression, so keep your language short and concise. Use powerful verbs like accomplished, developed, and empowered, which emphasize your accomplishments.

5. Cut it into pieces

Use bullet points, short paragraphs and note form, with a clear and logical layout, and only relevant information so that it is easy for the potential employer to read. When you do this, you have a much better chance of being interviewed.

6. Look at the piece

Employers see hundreds of resumes, so you may be tempted to add a creative flair to yours, thinking it will stand out. Well, it will, but for the wrong reasons. Using many different fonts and styles can seem more amateur than professional, and what looks good to you may be less attractive to someone else.

Use a professional, clean and clear font, all the same size, bold to emphasize headings and subtitles. Leave a blank space around the text so that the design is easy on the eye. Print on good quality plain white paper. And above all, try to keep it to a maximum of two pages. Employers simply don’t have time to read lengthy documents.

Remember, some employers can spend as little as 45 seconds flipping through a CV before rating it “not at all,” “maybe” or “potential.” Take some time to create your CV so that you fall into the “potential” category that will earn a second look!