When you write your Curriculum Vitae (CV) don’t let complicated language and formatting intimidate you. First on your todo list is to discover how to make your CV stand out to employers and human resources professionals. This isn’t a good time for either timidity, or for brashness; it’s the time to let the real you, the best of you, positively jump from the page of your CV.
At Hall Recruitment we process more Curriculum Vitae than you can perhaps imagine. Why? Because on top of our permanent placements and search assignments, for many employers, we’re the first temporary recruitment agency they call when they need to find temporary staff. It’s as the latter, a ‘temping agency’ that we see the most Curriculum Vitae. Both employers and employees lean on us for help with career transitions, so we have plenty of experience in helping people just like you get their CV ‘combat ready.’ Oh, just one final thing, before we get ourselves back on topic; if you’re looking for good pay and plenty of flexibility you should definitely consider “temping.” Tell us what work, and hours you’d like and attach your Curriculum Vitae too, just click and upload your CV. Apologies for that short interruption, now back to putting the polish on your CV.
Don’t Innovate CV Protocol And Structure
Protocol and structure will govern the shape of your CV that’s why you should exploit the freedoms that words and language offer. It’s in approaching this task from a fresh set of eyes that you’ll grasp linguistic “sleights of mouth” which reveal how to make your CV outstanding and persuasive. Let your words do the work and let your page structure showcase those words by striking a balance between style and restraint, more on this to come.
Avoid Cliché
Don’t fall into using tired and overused clichés. Resist especially any phrases like ‘think outside the box’ or to ‘run something up the flagpole’ unless, of course, you are enlisting in the Defence Forces or signing a contract with Manchester United.
Don’t Allow Your CV Stand Out For the Wrong Reasons
Cast aside bad usage. It help might make your CV stand out, but for the wrong reasons. Anyone who pays attention to the advertising scene, and its copywriters, will notice how eager some writers are to disregard old rules as improper usage permeates much of mainstream marketing language. At the time of writing the top slogan from one leading bank exclaims: ‘We support brave!’ Surely ‘bravery’ is the word they should have used? Just make sure to leave these questionable neologisms to them. You do not want this on your CV unless, of course, you’re applying to work in the copywriting dept of McCann or Ogilvy, in which case you’re on your own.
Speaking of applying to work, if you’re intending to trust your Curriculum Vitae to any recruitment agency in Dublin make sure you choose us, upload your CV here and take a minute to tell us what you would like to do next.
Design Your CV To Refresh Jaded Recruiters
You need to appreciate that sheer amount of applications employers and recruitment consultancies have to sort through means it’s perfectly understandable that they cherish clarity of message and of layout in a Curriculum Vitae. Consequently, we advise you to stick with the tried and tested CV format, at least as far as layout and sequencing are concerned. In terms of layout and structure it doesn’t pay to innovate too much. Make sure your CV is “scan friendly,” so don’t skimp on white space. Do make sure to restrict yourself to a maximum of 2 typefaces; Ideally one typeface family, using different weights for contrast and emphasis. This is how to make your words pop but in a subtle, stylish and non garish way. And no, no matter how many weights Comic Sans comes in, it’s not going to do anything good for anyone’s CV, least of all yours.
Aim For Balance
Notwithstanding the above, unless stated otherwise (which it won’t be), no employer sets out to recruit an automaton. They will look for someone who will fit into a team structure, someone who will get along with their colleagues. Some employers prefer creative, talented, and imaginative workers while others emphasize technical skills; both can enhance the overall quality of their organization depending upon the situation.
Therefore, your Curriculum Vitae should reflect an appropriate balance between the two. In reality, employers want to hire the ‘whole person’ – not just a set of achievements, skill sets, and work experiences. So get a bit more of you onto the page of your CV. Want to know a good way to do this?
The Ultimate Job Apply Hack: CV Customisation
We all know the saying don’t “don’t let perfect be the enemy of good” so consider this a pro tip for when you have the time and for when the application warrants your special care and attention. This is where CV customisation comes in. We’ve written a post focused on this subject and recommend you check it out, only after you’re finished here, NATCH. [Note: avoid slang and neologisms on your CV, especially contractions such as “natch”]
“A CV should be as short as possible, but not any shorter. Keep it short here, for sure, but don’t miss the opportunity to “modestly boast” about your achievements and impact on the job.”
CATHERINE MURTAGH
Founder Hall Recruitment
Okay, here’s two areas where you can add a bit of personality to your CV:
CV Introduction
Including a short introduction towards the top third of your CV allows HR professionals to understand more about you, especially if you’re not including a cover letter.
Short job summaries
Additionally, beneath each position you have held, you have the option of supplying additional information. Most people skip this step, especially those who have been advised to keep their CV brief. Having said that, a CV should be as short as possible, but not any shorter. Keep it short here, for sure, but don’t miss the opportunity to “modestly boast” about your achievements and impact on the job. It all comes down to standing out, remember?
Words Persuade, Font’s Don’t
The beauty of the English language is its richness. The meanings in words empower writers to paint images, express feelings, and communicate messages to their readers; you can do likewise with your Curriculum Vitae.
Find Your Muse & Make Your CV Stand Out
Fortunately, we do not live in a world of robots. You are unique in terms of your personality, your attributes, and the things that make you tick. Our advice is this: set aside any instinct you might have to don a linguistic straitjacket. Let your CV flow and reveal what makes you special – particularly if your best attributes coincide with an employer’s needs. Did we already mention you should check out our blog post dedicated to exactly this subject, customizing your CV on a per application basis? I think we might have. Best of luck.