It’s best to use a simple CV structure when applying for roles to land your ideal job. We’ve outlined some guidance below on the best way to make your CV standout when looking for your next role.
Tailored
We advise creating a general CV template which can be adapted to each role you apply for. Keep the most appropriate and necessary information in your template and build on this each time you apply for a new role, adding emphasis on the skills and responsibilities that are relevant.
Don’t make the hiring manager or recruiter read through your entire CV to get an idea of your skills. Make it easy and include a skills section at the start of your CV which captures their attention and shows them what you can offer.
Including your interests provides a well-rounded view of you as an individual and can allow the hiring manager to get a sense of who you are. This is important given the emphasis on company culture. However, do keep it relevant and concise. Achievements from school, for example, should be removed unless you are a graduate or looking for an entry-level role.
List your experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role and working backwards. Don’t just list your duties for each job - include narrative on what you achieved and use measurable examples to show your success.
You should be including your start and end date for all previous positions when outlining your experience. If you’ve had any breaks in your career, it’s best to be honest and upfront with the hiring manager, accompanying any gaps with a brief narrative of what you did with your time. Career breaks and gaps and understandable, and you are not required to go into any unnecessary detail, but the hiring manager will be looking for a genuine reason to explain the unaccounted period of time.
