So you have not updated your CV in years. This is how you can transform your CV in 20 minutes. By the way update your CV at least every 6 – 12 months, whether you are in the market or not!
Here are 6 things you can do now to transform your CV in 20 minutes
Ensure Education is at the bottom
On the top you must reflect your actual work experience. Remember that recruiters and hiring managers are getting exposed to piles and piles of CVs daily. Ensure your best information is on top. Include education at the bottom so that the first few moments of people reading your CV are spent on the good stuff.
Having a Career objective is not necessary
A career objective is very self focused, and is not addressing the needs of the potential employer at this moment. If you want to show your potential employer how well you match the role, rather use your cover letter – which is a must. Also ensure that your voice comes through as you add your accomplishments (see next point).
Only have 5 – 6 Bullets per job
When listing your experience, limit the bullet points to the key impacts you made in that particular role. Add actual outcomes and accomplishments. Do not copy and paste the job description of your role in your CV. This says nothing about you and your contribution.
Run a spell check
Ensure you do a quick grammar and spell check, it makes a world of difference. Recruiters are reviewing piles of CVs per day and grammar and spelling errors are a huge turn off.
Save as PDF with a proper file name
Saving it as a PDF means that it will remain in a consistent format as you forward it on. If you leave it in word the formatting could be impacted, as people open it up from different screens. Oh, and name your CV correctly (Jon Snow 2017).
References are available on request – remove
This goes without saying and so there is no need to state this in your CV and waste space.
Bonus Tip: Last but not least, update your LinkedIn
Ensure your LinkedIn Profile is on point as potential employers will definitely be visiting your profile. Herewith an overview of how to step up your LinkedIn game.
The above will help you if you are in a bind, however, you do require more than 20 minutes to properly update your CV. You require focused time to reflect on your impact and accomplishments and to add your voice and personality.
Good luck! Any other quick tips that you think may be useful?
Further related reading:
The Muse: 20 Basic Resume Writing Rules That Will Put You Ahead Of The Competition
How To Get The Feedback You Need To Ace Your Career Goals
Step Up Your LInked In Game – 6 Tips For The Savvy Professional
{Working Mom Hack} Asking For What You Want At Work…The Right Way
Image Credit: pixabay
You have some good points. It annoys when people email their CV and it’s in multiple files. Also when they attach copies of 20 certificates that are not relevant to the job that they’re applying for.
I love this! I actually teach a section on resumes to undergrads and we’re teaching them how to format them now so this was perfect timing!