Tips for Crafting an Impressive CV

What is a Resume?

A resume is a document that summarizes a person’s education, work experience, credentials and skills for a potential employer. It’s typically used in job applications and is a way of presenting one’s background and qualifications to a potential employer. A resume is usually shorter than a curriculum vitae (CV) and is more focused on the most relevant information for the job being applied to.

An impressive CV is important for a few reasons:

It Boosts your chances of getting a job: It is the first document that employers look at to assess your suitability for a role, and an impressive CV will increase your chances of landing a job.

Gives a good first impression: Your CV is your opportunity to introduce yourself and create a good first impression. An impressive CV will make you stand out from the crowd and give potential employers a positive perception of you.

Features of an impressive CV

1. Power Words:
Power words are words and phrases that are used to highlight and emphasise strengths and achievements. They are used in resumes to make the content more effective and powerful, and help to catch the attention of employers. Examples of power words in a resume includes:

✓ Achieved
✓ Managed
✓ Spearheaded
✓ Drove
✓ Increased
✓ Improved
✓ Exceeded
✓ Led
✓ Maximized
✓ Optimized
✓ Streamlined

 

2. Key Words: A keyword in a resume is a specific word or phrase that pertains to a particular skill, experience, or qualification that is relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Including the relevant keywords on your CV helps the resume scanning machines (ATS) in filtering and sorting out the resumes based on the qualification that the employer is looking for. It also increases the chances of being shortlisted and can help showcase your suitability and qualifications for the job.

3. Relevant Skills: Shows employer you are qualified: Relevant skills demonstrate to the employer that you possess the necessary abilities, experience, and qualifications to perform the job role well.

Shows employer you are the right fit: Listing relevant skills shows the employer that you have what it takes to fulfil the job requirements, which highlights why you are the right fit for the role.

Helps you stand out from the competition: Relevant skills can make you stand out from the competition since it highlights your unique capabilities and abilities.

4. Confidence: Showing confidence in a resume can be done in a few different ways:

Use strong action verbs: Action verbs like “accomplished” and “achieved” can help to show confidence in your experience and accomplishments.

Quantify your achievements: Using figures and numbers to support your achievements and accomplishments can be a powerful way to show confidence.

Use direct language: Avoid using passive language, instead use short and concise statements to express yourself confidently.

 

5. White space: White space in a resume refers to the empty or blank areas on the page between sections, headers, and text. White space is used to improve the readability of the resume by separating key information to make it easier to scan and read. It also makes the resume appear clean, organized, and visually appealing.

 

6. Consistency: Consistency is an important aspect to consider when creating a perfect resume. Consistency in terms of font, spacing, and design will make your resume appear more professional and easy to read. For example, using the same font style and size for all the headings and body text helps tie all the sections together. Also, keeping the spacing consistent throughout the resume, between sections, within the same section, also helps a recruiter quickly navigate and scan the resume easily.
Consistency is also required in furnishing information. For example, if you mention that you have 12 year of experience in your resume, then please mention the same in your cover letter as well.

 

7. Simple Format: A simple format is important to create an impressive CV for a few reasons:

Readability: A simple format eliminates unnecessary clutter and makes it easier for a potential employer to quickly scan through the resume and understand your qualifications and experience.

Professionalism: A resume with a simple format looks professional and organized, giving the impression of a polished and well-prepared job seeker.

Efficiency: A simple format makes the CV more efficient by focusing on the key information that the employer is looking for, rather than making it difficult to find and read.

Consistency is also required in furnishing information. For example, if you mention that you have 12 year of experience in your resume, then please mention the same in your cover letter as well.

Do you want your future to be successful?

8. Customization: Creating a customizable resume is important because it allows you to tailor the document to highlight the relevant skills and experience required for the job you are applying for. Customizing your resume helps create a resume that is more likely to match the employer’s expectations and stand out.

For each job you apply to, you should customize your resume to highlight the most relevant skills and experiences, so the employer can quickly see how you match the job requirements and why you are a good fit.

 

9. Providing Relevant Links: Providing relevant links in a resume can make it impressive by:

Showing initiative and enthusiasm: By providing relevant links, you are showing that you have gone the extra mile to provide evidence of your work and skills.


Demonstrating expertise: If the links you provide are related to projects you’ve worked on, they can help demonstrate your skills and knowledge in that specific area.

Making your resume more interactive: Links can provide a more engaging and interactive experience for the hiring manager, which can make your resume stand out from the pile.

 

10. Concise: Creating a concise resume is important because:

Short and Clear Messaging: Concise communication is clear communication. A concise resume gets rid of unnecessary fluff and tells the recruiter what they need to know about your skills and experience in a clear and concise manner.


Easily Scanned and Read: With the rise of recruitment technology such as ATS, a short and concise resume is quicker and easier to scan, which means the recruiter is more likely to pay attention to the relevant information, such as skills and achievements.