First impressions count for everything in business, not least when trying to secure a new job. Given that your CV is often the first thing that prospective employers will see, it’s imperative that you learn to make yours stand out from the crowd.

But how? Here’s all you need to know.

Realise That Less Is More

Recruiters spend just 6 seconds looking at a CV before deciding whether to invest their time in reading more. As such, they do not need your life story. The interview stage gives you an opportunity to expand on ideas. For now, being straight to the point is essential.

Before drafting your new CV, be sure to go through your current document and get rid of any unnecessary information. Apart from anything else, the concise approach will allow you to fit the most important details onto the document – after all, you only have two sides of A4 to play with!

Play The Numbers Game

Recruiters want to see facts and figures. Rather than detailing the daily tasks of your previous job description, focus on bullet point facts. They make a bigger impact and are easier to digest. Good examples would be:

• Increased sales by 30% in 6 months.

• Cut company spending by 12%.

• Improved transaction values by 15%

The clear information details your achievement and shows what you could bring to the role. Perfect.

Create A Personal Statement

While the CV gives brief insight, a personal statement gives you time to expand and provide greater details about you as a person. In many cases, this is far better than adding an unnecessary section about your personal life on the CV itself. 

Choose A Good Design

Recruiters can see hundreds of CVs during the course of a week. While readable content and a professional appearance are key elements, a design that stands out from the crowd can make a big impact. Experts say that “visual design is a great way to differentiate yourself from other job candidates”.

It is a hugely significant feature when applying for creative jobs, but can serve as a secret weapon for many other jobs. The use of infographics can be a great way to present more information in an easy to digest manner. 

Above all else, when employers enjoy reading the CV, they’ll naturally spend more time on it. This makes you a far more memorable candidate.

Tailor The Content

Recruiters are pretty clear about what they want from candidates, and your CV is the first opportunity to show that you have those skills. While the bulk of your CV (name, contact details, qualifications, etc.) will stay the same, learning to tailor your CV to each job role is key.

Changing a few details to focus on the keywords that the employer is looking for will help you pass the first hurdle. Moreover, the clear display of putting in the extra effort is sure to impress any prospective employer.

Just be sure to proofread the CV before sending it off.