A CV isn’t a list of exaggerations. It’s not a hodgepodge of cut and pasted job descriptions printed out on nice paper. Nor is it a forum to advertise that you’re 6 feet 2 inches tall, single, a non-smoker and willing to relocate. Simply put, a CV is an advertisement that makes the reader ACT.
Keep It Simple
Recruiters want resumes that are simple to understand, especially when it comes to the skills needed to perform the job and employment history.
Be sure your resume clearly communicates that you possess the knowledge and experience needed to perform the job in question. Use the job description to tailor your resume to the position. Try to avoid industry jargon such as “value-added” when describing your skills and experiences.
Your resume should also include your dates of employment. The absence of dates makes recruiters scrutinize your employment history even more closely.
Features Versus Benefits
Your CV should show how you could benefit an employer — not just list your features and skills
Past performance is often an indicator of future performance. Explain how you made a past employer money, saved them money or improved a process or product.
Think about instances where you went above and beyond the call of duty. Look at past performance reviews to refresh your memory. Employers want the best employees, and your CV should reflect that.
Truth in Advertising
People say that it’s the sizzle that sells the steak. That may be true but, when it comes to job searching, you have to have done what you claim on your CV.
Many employers today take steps to ensure that you have the background you claim. They have a wide variety of background checking tools at their disposal.
Background checks can include:
- Reference checks
- Credit checks
- Criminal background checks
- Past employment verification
- Education verification
- ID Numbers also tell a tale…If you’re dishonest in the hiring process, odds are that you’ll be caught. Rather than waste the recruiter’s time — and your time — be truthful on your CV. It’s not only the right thing to do, but the smart thing.
Making the right impression is one of the first key steps in securing a new job.