We know the average CV gets reviewed in less than 30 seconds. We also know the average CV does not get to interview. The question this newsletter looks at, therefore, is how to ensure a recruiter or employer spends 5 minutes getting excited about your CV then 25 minutes talking to colleagues about what a great candidate they are about to meet.

If you can achieve this, not only will you (to state the obvious) get to interview, but the interviewer will be willing you to succeed.

Before sending off another CV, run through this quick checklist and determine if it needs adapting or re-writing.

Check your profile

Does your CV open with a list of skills and keywords? Don’t bore your reader. Employers want to know how you can solve their problem right now. Don’t annoy them by failing to answer this urgent question.
Your profile should be simple and concise. It should define who you are, your biggest strength and end by stating your objective. The objective should be your targeted job title and, if appropriate, company type.

This focuses the CV and necessitates that you use the rest to support why you’re the best candidate to fill this particular job title, leaving no doubt in your reader’s mind about who you are.

Measurable Results

Back up your new profile with evidence. Tired clichés about being a great communicator or team player will not cut the mustard – provide a bulleted list of specific achievements in a discreet section or under each job title, rather than just listing your responsibilities.

We’ve all achieved things and regardless of your role, you have a bottom line impact on your employer. State the end result that benefitted your employer, team, client or colleague.

Focus on the exact job

Employers and recruiters are focused and looking for specific points. They have very short attention spans and can be easily distracted. When they get distracted, they get confused, and when that happens, they reach for the next CV.

So, if you are looking for a position as a media planner, tell them why you’re a great media planner. That’s all they want to know. Don’t tell them about how you used to work as a carpenter or how you are also considering consulting as a career. Stay focussed.

If a point you make doesn’t clearly explain why you will be the best applicant for the specific role – drop the point!

Above the Fold

Ensure your most important selling information is on the top half of page one. Capture their attention early and they will read on. They will not waste their time looking through your CV to find critical information. You must present it upfront and in doing so, it encourages them to read on.

Summary

If you use the five points above to measure the effectiveness of your CV, you may discover several areas that need strengthening. Make the alterations now before you send your CV anywhere, and you’ll be more likely to have prospective employers call you.

Best of luck,

www.cvwritingindia.com