How to stand out from the crowd with a commercial and impactful CV

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So, how do you stand out from the crowd with a commercial and impactful CV? Given there are over 400 applicants to each job advertised, I wanted to rehash one of my old blogs to give some updated tips…

There are lots of differing opinions out there on how to write a CV. It’s up to you to make your own mind up on what works for the role you are applying for – but the thing is, you need to have impact and quickly.

Writing a killer CV is all about selling your experience better than everyone else who sits in that pile on the recruiter or hiring managers desk! How do you expect to differentiate between yourself and all the other applicants who have all likely done a similar role to you?

The past 5 years of experience are typically the most relevant, this is the experience that employers will want to discuss and should form the bulk of the CV:

Focus on outcomes rather than inputs

Every project manager manages key stakeholders, but a great project manager influences them to ensure delivery of the project on time and within budget.

Great people make a difference in their role

Yes, businesses hire people to do a job, but what gives you the edge? Having an impactful CV is important. Think through what have you done in past roles that has added value? Use business metrics to quantify the impact and to demonstrate your commercial understanding.

Tailor your CV for the role

Make sure you have read the job description for the role you’re applying for and highlight relevant areas of your experience that match this (yes this is basic stuff, but it often gets missed). You can do this in a cover letter (I don’t think many people read them these days) so my advice is to ensure you put it in the CV (it is okay to have more than one CV that focuses on different aspects of your experience).

Get someone senior to critique your CV

Before you send it anywhere, get someone more senior than you to read your CV, would they hire you based upon it? Make sure you allow them to be critical. If not, why not? What’s missing?

A CV is not a job description

Don’t just copy and paste it in there, people can tell!

Do not write recruitment clichés

No one likes cliches so leave them out of your personal statement i.e. team player/can multitask.

Be conscious of the length of your CV

2 pages is a myth but any longer than 4 pages is a bit much… if you’ve only been working for a few years it doesn’t need to be very long (remember less is often more) and if you’re an interim with multiple contracts or have a long career history – limit yourself to the past 5 years (and summarise the rest in one-liners).

Finally, get yourself out there

There is no point writing a killer CV if no one’s going to see it. A lot of the best jobs on the market aren’t advertised, ensure you are tapping up your network and people you ahev worked with previously (LinkedIn) is an awesome non-intrusive tool for this)

To discuss further or to get help with your impactful CV you can email me on James@refind.co.uk.

You can view more about James Cumming our change and business transformation specialist here.

How to Create a CV: Your Comprehensive Guide

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Crafting the perfect CV is an art. Given that it’s often the first impression an employer gets of you, its importance can’t be overstated. If you’ve ever pondered over how to create a CV that stands out and tells your professional story effectively, this guide is for you.

What is a CV?

A CV, or Curriculum Vitae, is a detailed document highlighting your professional and academic history. Typically used for job applications, a CV provides recruiters with an overview of your experience, qualifications, and skills. Essentially, it’s your professional biography.

The Evolution of CVs Over Time

Over the decades, the style and content of CVs have undergone considerable changes. Originally, CVs were straightforward, text-heavy documents. With advancements in technology and changing job market demands, they’ve evolved into more dynamic documents, often with elements of graphic design, links to online portfolios, or even personal websites.

What Should your CV Focus on?

A modern CV should centre on your:

  1. Skills: Highlight the skills that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for.
  2. Experience: Detail your professional journey, focusing on achievements rather than just roles.
  3. Qualifications: Showcase your academic and professional qualifications that make you suitable for the role.

Best Practices to Create a CV

  1. Be Concise: Ensure your CV is clear and to the point. Two pages are usually the recommended length.
  2. Tailor Your CV: Adapt your CV to match the requirements of each job you apply for.
  3. Use Action Words: Words like ‘achieved’, ‘managed’, and ‘designed’ can make your CV more dynamic.

Choosing the Right Format to Create a CV

The format you choose can play a vital role. The most popular formats include:

  1. Chronological: Lists your work history in order, starting with the most recent.
  2. Functional: Focuses on skills and qualifications rather than work history.
  3. Combination: A blend of both chronological and functional formats.

Making Your CV Stand Out

  1. Personal Profile: Begin with a compelling personal profile that summarises your key attributes.
  2. Achievements: Highlight notable professional achievements.
  3. Design: Use a clean layout, readable fonts, and consider using subtle colours.

Understanding ATS Systems

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by companies to sift through thousands of CVs to identify suitable candidates. To ensure your CV is ATS-friendly:

  1. Use Keywords: Incorporate keywords from the job description.
  2. Avoid Graphics: Many ATS systems can’t read images or graphics.
  3. Use a Standard Format: Stick to Word or PDF formats.

Common CV Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Spelling and Grammar Errors: These can make you seem careless or unprofessional.
  2. Being Vague: Be specific about your achievements and roles.
  3. Including Irrelevant Information: Your CV should be tailored to the role you’re applying for.

The Importance of Proofreading when you Create a CV

Always have someone else proofread your CV. A fresh pair of eyes can catch errors you might have missed and offer invaluable feedback.

The Debate: Are Cover Letters Extinct?

While the importance of cover letters has diminished in some sectors, many employers still value them. A well-crafted cover letter can provide context to your CV and further highlight your suitability for a role.

To Include or Not: Photo, DOB, and Address

Traditionally, CVs included personal details like photos, DOB, and addresses. However, modern best practices advise against this due to equality and discrimination laws. Unless specified, it’s best to omit these details.

Conclusion

Crafting an effective CV is a nuanced process. By understanding its evolution, focusing on the right aspects, ensuring ATS compatibility, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a CV that truly resonates with potential employers. Remember, your CV isn’t just a document; it’s a reflection of your professional self.

OUR FOCUS ON LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIPS

At re:find we have been in Executive Search for over 20 years. We believe that recruitment is not a one-off transaction but rather a long-term partnership. We aim to build long-term relationships with our clients, providing ongoing support and advice to help them find and retain the best talent for their organisation.

In addition, as a business, we understand that every organisation is unique and that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to recruitment. That’s why we offer bespoke recruitment solutions that are tailored to meet the specific needs of each client. Whether you need help with a single hire or a full recruitment campaign, we can help.

We are committed to providing our clients with the highest quality service. As part of this, we ensure that we take the time to understand your organisation’s culture and values, as well as the specific skills and experience needed for each role.

For more information on our executive search practice and our CCS framework
please get in touch with our Managing Director, James Cumming.

Craft a Winning CV: How to Captivate Recruiters

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Craft a Winning CV: How to Captivate Recruiters

When you’re applying for jobs, one size definitely does not fit all—especially when it comes to your CV. Tailoring your CV for each job you apply to is not just a good idea; it’s crucial if you want to stand out and get noticed by recruiters and hiring managers.

Here’s how to do it effectively, without spending hours on each application.

  1. Start with a Strong Foundation

Before you dive into customisation, make sure your base CV is in good shape. This means it should be clear, concise, and highlight your key skills and achievements. Think of your CV as your professional story—make sure it’s one you’re proud to tell. This foundation will make tailoring for specific roles much quicker and easier.

It is a good idea to have a master copy that you then use as a starting point for each role.

  1. Study the Job Description

This might seem obvious, but it’s the most important step. Carefully read the job description and pick out the key skills, experiences, and qualifications the employer is looking for. These are your clues. They tell you what the employer values most and what you need to emphasise on your CV.

  1. Mirror the Language in Your CV

Employers often use specific terms and phrases that resonate within their industry or even their company culture. By mirroring this language in your CV, you’re not only showing that you understand the role, but you’re also likely to get past any applicant tracking systems (ATS) that are scanning for these keywords. For example, if the job description mentions “project management,” make sure that exact phrase appears in your CV, if it’s relevant to your experience.

  1. Highlight Relevant Experience First

Your CV should be a living document, always changing to suit the job at hand. This means that you might need to rearrange your bullet points or even whole sections to make sure the most relevant information appears first. If you’re applying for a marketing role, lead with your marketing experience—even if it’s further down in your career history. The goal is to make the recruiter’s job easier by putting the most relevant info front and centre.

  1. Showcase Your Achievements

Instead of just listing your duties from previous roles, focus on what you achieved. Quantifiable results—like “increased sales by 20%” or “managed a project with a budget of £500,000”—carry a lot more weight than vague descriptions of your responsibilities. When tailoring your CV, pick the achievements that align with the job you’re applying for and emphasise those.

  1. Be Selective About What You Include

It might be tempting to throw everything you’ve ever done onto your CV, but this can dilute your impact. Instead, be selective. Choose experiences, skills, and achievements that are directly relevant to the job. If you’ve had a long career with diverse experiences, consider creating a “Key Achievements” section where you can highlight the most relevant successes without overwhelming the reader with too much information.

  1. Update Your Professional Summary

Your professional summary is the first thing most recruiters will read, so make it count. Customise this section for each job application, focusing on how your skills and experience align with the role. Keep it brief, punchy, and tailored to the job at hand.

  1. Proofread and Get Feedback

Once you’ve tailored your CV, don’t forget to proofread it thoroughly. Typos and grammatical errors can be a big turn-off for employers. It’s also worth asking a friend or colleague to take a look—fresh eyes can often spot things you’ve missed.

  1. Keep It Updated

Lastly, don’t wait until you’re actively job hunting to update your CV. Make it a habit to regularly update your CV with new skills, experiences, and achievements. This way, when the perfect job comes along, you’re ready to tailor and apply without scrambling to remember everything you’ve done over the past few years.

Final Thoughts

Tailoring your CV for each job might seem like extra work, but it’s an investment that can pay off big time. By carefully matching your experience and skills to the job description, you’ll not only make it through the initial screening process, but you’ll also stand out as the perfect fit for the role. Remember, your CV is your personal marketing document—make sure it’s working as hard as you are.

OUR FOCUS ON LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIPS

At re:find we have been in Executive Search for over 20 years. We believe that recruitment is not a one-off transaction but rather a long-term partnership. We aim to build long-term relationships with our clients, providing ongoing support and advice to help them find and retain the best talent for their organisation.

In addition, as a business, we understand that every organisation is unique and that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to recruitment. That’s why we offer bespoke recruitment solutions that are tailored to meet the specific needs of each client. Whether you need help with a single hire or a full recruitment campaign, we can help.

We are committed to providing our clients with the highest quality service. As part of this, we ensure that we take the time to understand your organisation’s culture and values, as well as the specific skills and experience needed for each role.

For more information on our executive search practice and our CCS framework
please get in touch with our Director Carl Hinett