Introduction
In today’s competitive job market, creating a well-crafted and effective resume can be a daunting task. Your resume should be a reflection of your best work and abilities since they are what employers will use to gauge your suitability for the job. It could be your ticket to getting shortlisted for the interview and ultimately landing the job. Thus, it’s important to make sure your CV stands out from the crowd. In this article, we’ll explore ten critical things employers desire to see in your CV and the specific ways you can incorporate them.
- Professional Summary
A professional summary at the top of your CV is an essential feature that will grab the hiring manager’s attention. It should be a brief statement defining your career goals, your experience as well as quantifiable achievements that make you a good candidate for the job.
Example:
“A highly experienced market analyst with over five years’ experience in financial analytics and a proven track record of delivering excellent returns on investment through astute market predictions.”
- Tailored for the job
Employers are always looking for candidates who can fit into their organisation and meet the needs of the specific position they are applying for. Therefore, it’s essential to tailor your CV to fit each job application that you send. You can achieve this by studying the job description and ensuring that your qualifications match the necessary skills and experience.
Example:
Job Advert: “A marketing manager responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies.”
CV: “A highly skilled marketing manager with over seven years of experience in developing and implementing marketing strategies. Experience in direct and digital marketing, branding, and product promotion.”
- Clear and Concise
Your CV should be clear and concise, easily understandable and not too lengthy. Employers want to see a comprehensive representation of your skills and experience in a few pages, without having to spend a lot of time reading through irrelevant information.
Example:
“A performance-driven financial analyst with over four years of experience in providing accurate financial forecasts and insights to senior stakeholders. Adept at analysing financial data to identify trends and market opportunities.”
- Achievements and Metrics
Adding quantifiable metrics to your experience shows that you can produce measurable results in the role you are applying for. Here are a few examples of metrics you can add:
- Sales increase or decrease percentages.
- Projects completed on time and within budget percentage.
- Number of team members managed.
Example:
“Identified inefficiencies in the financial planning and forecasting process which saved my previous employer £250,000 annually.”
- Demonstrated Skills
Hiring managers seek candidates that can do the job and whose experiences align with the job requirements. You must match your skills with the requirements of the job.
Example:
“Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Sage 50 and SAP accounting software.”
- Relevant Experience
Your experience section should align with the job description, and you should position your most relevant experience at the top. While it’s okay to have unrelated work experience, the most relevant experience should be emphasized.
Example:
“Worked as a customer service representative, where I gained excellent problem-solving skills and outstanding customer service experience.”
- Keywords Optimization
Optimize your CV with relevant keywords that match the job description or industry. Keywords could include technical skills or action verbs.
Example:
“Organized team leader with extensive experience in financial data analysis, forecasting and reporting.”
- Professionalism
Ensure your CV is professional in tone and design. Avoid using colours, informal wording and other features that could distract from your message. A professional and clean design suits the overall tone of the CV.
Example:
“Led a team of ten, delegating tasks and encouraging open communication to ensure timely project completion.”
- Education
List your educational qualifications, with the most relevant being emphasized and positioned near the top.
Example:
“Master of Business Administration (MBA), Harvard Business School, 2018-2020.”
- Accreditation and Licences
Add any industry-recognized certification or licenses in your field, especially if they are relevant to the job you are applying for.
Example:
“Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants (ACCA).”
Conclusion
Now that you have seen the ten essential things employers want to see in your CV, you can start crafting a compelling CV. Remember to personalize your CV for each job application, emphasize your relevant experience, and quantify your achievements. Additionally, be clear and concise, use professional language, and incorporate relevant keywords. With a well-structured CV, you can stand out from the crowd and land your dream job.
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