The Importance of a CV: Tips and Tricks to Stand Out.

What can you do in 10 seconds to leave an impression of yourself on an individual? Understandably, asking one to leave an impression of themselves on an individual in 10 seconds is a difficult task, more so a strong impression.

However, in the context of the average time spent on a resume review, a study published by the Ladders (2018) reported that the average time spent on a CV review was only 7.4 seconds. So, the question now is how we leave a strong impression on recruiters within those 7.4 seconds.

Well, here is some general advice when constructing a resume:

1. Include a LinkedIn Profile:
A study conducted by Austin Belcak (2021) found that the inclusion of a LinkedIn Profile in a CV increased recruiter callback rates by 71%, however only 48% of CVs included one.
Tip: Start building a LinkedIn Profile and include it in the resume

2. Match Keywords and Skills to the Job:
Matching relevant keywords and skills are a primary factor of success especially when it comes to online job applications.
Tip: Job Descriptions commonly include an average of 43 keywords and required skills (Belcak, 2021)

3. Include Measurable Metrics:
Quantifying results and achievements utilizing metrics allows recruiters to better understand your value and how you may impact the organization.
Tip: Utilize the X-Y-Z Resume Bullet Formula, “Accomplished ‘X’ as measured by ‘Y’, by doing ‘Z’.”

4. Stay within the 475-600 Word Range
CVs under or over the range of 475-600 words were found to be 43% less hireable, however only 23% of CVs were found to be within this range (Belcak, 2021)
Tip: Keeping your CV within the range of 475-600 words serves to differentiate yourself from the majority of competitors.

5. Avoid Cliches and Buzzwords
Excessive usage of phrases such as “Highly motivated”, “Detail Orientated”, and “Team Player” take away time and space on a resume, as such phrases are inherently difficult to quantify.
Tip: Utilize the space used for such phrases to write more about your experience, achievements, academic projects, etc.

Well, we've reached the end of this post and you're now on your way to craft a CV that's sure to turn heads. So, what's next? Well, get ready for those job offers as they're going to start knocking on your door soon.

Comments

The importance of mastering the art of interviews: “ Learn to Impress” (Part 1)

So, after countless revisions of your resume, optimizing your LinkedIn profile, and submitting numerous applications to recruiters, you’ve finally secured an interview with the recruitment team of an organization. Naturally, you’re ecstatic that the effort you’ve invested has eventually paid off. However, now you have to start preparing for the final step of the application process, the interview. So, let’s talk about how we can prepare for that interview Now, Contrary to belief, although there are no “one-size-fits-all” answers to any interview question, there are structural formats one can learn to form stronger responses that are universally applicable to the common questions asked by interviewers So, let's go through some of these questions and how we can structure a strong response to better impress interviewers. 1. “Tell me about yourself” This question is commonly used to ask applicants to provide a detailed profile of themselves. However, we must remember to remain professi...

The Importance of Mastering the Art of Interviews: “Learn to Impress” (Part 2)

Hey there, if you've already read Part 1 of our " The importance of mastering the art of interviews: “Learn to Impress” series, where we laid the foundation for your interview success, then you’re here definitely here for Part 2. Well, lucky for you, the second part of this series will continue to provide you with the tips and tricks you need to impress interviewers and help you take the next step in your professional career. Before that, lets quickly go through what we went through in Part 1 of this series In Part 1, we discussed some tips and tricks you can use in answering two key questions that are commonly asked by interviewers. So, if you don’t want to miss any those tips and tricks, be sure to read Part 1 of this series. Now today in Part 2, we're going to dive even deeper into the world of interviews and provide you guys with even more tips and tricks you can use for another two key questions that interviewers love to ask. So, without wasting any time, let’s get ...

The Importance of Investing in Your Career: It’s Your Future, Don’t Leave It to Chance.

Chances are that you’re a student such as myself. With numerous lectures, class tutorials, and assignment deadlines, few can blame students for feeling stressed and anxious. After all, the years spent in university are capable of determining the trajectory and direction of one’s life in the future. Thus, entirely investing one’s time and effort in pursuit of academic excellence is undoubtedly the right choice, correct? Let’s pause for a minute and ask ourselves a few questions. 1. What are your goals after graduating? 2. How are you going to achieve such goals? 3. What makes you stand out from others? So, how many were you able to confidently answer? If you were not able to answer all three questions, then there is unfortunately a lack of investment in your career. As a student, it is important to consider not only one’s academic performance but also how much one invests in their career. After all, one cannot simply expect to receive a job after graduation, instead one ...

Career Advice From a Student

Search This Blog