Creating a Standout CV and Resume: What to Include and Avoid

Simplify your job search with this guide to writing a standout CV and resume. Learn how to customize your application, highlight skills, and catch recruiters’ attention.

Recruiters receive numerous applications for every job opening. Therefore, if you apply for a job, you must send an application that grabs the recruiter’s attention immediately and showcases your skills effectively. A compelling CV or resume can play a big part in this because a CV or resume will often become the first connection between a candidate and a prospective employer. A well-written CV or resume will be essential to present yourself as a strong candidate. 

Writing an impactful CV or resume isn’t simply about listing your skills and achievements. To help you stand out, here are some key tips on how to write an effective and interesting CV and resume.

Dos and Don’ts for Writing an Effective CV and Resume

Understanding what you should and shouldn’t do when writing a job application document will save you a lot of time and increase your chances of landing an interview. Here are several tips to keep in mind:

Write a Clear and Compelling Headline

CV or resume headline, located near contact information, should briefly summarize your background and experiences. This opening statement is the first thing recruiters will see, so make it clear, concise, and relevant to the role you’re applying for.

Highlight Relevant Skills

Whether the job opening requires a resume or a CV, customize your document for each job application. To do this, review the job description closely, then match your skills and experiences to the required qualifications. Avoid listing irrelevant skills because the qualifications that meet the job requirements are the ones that matter to the recruiters.

Use a Professional Format

Keep your document clean when creating a CV or resume and use an easy-to-read layout. Choose simple font styles and sizes, choose consistent formatting, and arrange the data in logical sections. For instance, start with your basic details at the top, followed by your education or career history. A well-structured document makes a strong first impression and helps recruiters find key information quickly.

Don’t Include Unnecessary Personal Information

Most of the time, there’s no need to include personal information such as marital status or number of children unless it’s explicitly relevant to the role or requirement. Keep your application simple by focusing only on essential personal information such as name, phone number, and email address.

Don’t Use Excessive Jargon

Avoid overloading your CV or resume with technical terms or industry jargon. This can make your application hard to read and may come across as pretentious. Instead, use clear and straightforward language to describe your experiences, and include specific terms only if they’re mentioned in the job description.

Don’t Forget to Proofread

Never submit your CV or resume before carefully reviewing it. Proofreading your CV and resume is important to avoid errors and inconsistencies that will leave a bad impression. If possible, ask a trusted professional in your field to review your document for feedback.

Conclusion

The most important thing to note when creating a CV or resume is to demonstrate genuine interest and ensure that your qualifications align with the role. Customize your document for each job and showcase your strength to help you stand out from other applicants. Take the time to polish and craft your CV or resume; this additional effort will enhance your visibility to recruiters, and ultimately increase your chances of securing an interview.

Next read: CV vs. Resume: Choose the Right Format for Your Job Application