CV + Job Application Tips

How to make your CV stand out, for the right reasons.

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Your CV represents you and will be the first contact you have with a future employer. And since you won’t be standing next to it, it has to do all the work for you.

Cut to the chase and make yourself relevant. Do this by understanding the job you’re going for and craft your CV to showcase this. A one-size-fits-all CV for every job isn’t a good strategy.

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Imagine: there could be hundreds of people applying for this role; you want to show you understand the role and why you are perfect for it. Gaps in your CV are not ideal. People do check these things and gaps will raise questions.

But don’t throw in everything you have ever done. Be selective. Having a paper run when you were 14 may not be relevant when applying for a Sales Manager's role today. List achievements that amplify your fit for the role, not distract from it.

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Ask yourself: will knowing this about me help me get the role? Interests and hobbies outside work should be short and snappy. They show you are a well-rounded person, but you aren’t applying for a role to do your hobby.

Your CV should represent you, so make it you. Don’t make up qualifications. This only ends badly; people don’t like these types of surprises.

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Express your willingness to learn and upskill.

List names of referees who will give your employer a thorough understanding of your professional self, and please, ask your referee for permission before you dish out their contact details!

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And finally, check, double check and triple-check your CV for spelling and grammar mistakes. It shows an eye for detail and care in what you do. There are online software tools that can help.