Here is a compilation of 10 top tips to make sure your CV has what it takes to impress HR managers. According to the experts,
your CV should:-Â
- Be clearly and neatly laid out. Check the spelling and take time out to review the entire CV in an objective manner.
- Make an impact but be easy on the eye. Use a reliable printer, good quality paper and avoid flashy colours or fonts.
- Be relevant and display the key points at a glance. Employers spend an average of 12 seconds to see if they will read a CV or not, about 30 seconds to actually read it, followed by a decision to grant an interview or not.
- Include data such as goals achieved, sales targets, improvements in turnover, projects in which you participated etc. A list of qualification and previous job responsibilities is rarely enough.
- Include the skills you needed for and gained from your work experiences. These may be professional, technical or personal.
- Reflect why you should be hired.
- Be focused. Think quality not quantity, even if you are a professional with loads of experience and qualifications. HR managers cannot afford to waste time unearthing vital information from a bulky, boastful and ultimately boring CV.
- Be specific. Avoid 'flowery' phrases and limit technical jargon. Do away with qualifying words such as 'usually', 'fairly' and 'hopefully'.
- Include your interests, but ideally contain this information with a purpose, as frankly should the rest of the CV.
- Be patiently drafted several times - do not expect to produce a masterpiece at your first attempt.
