Actions often speak louder than words, but not when it comes to your CV…
Remember, the primary goal of your CV is to secure you an interview, not to narrate your life story. Therefore, your CV needs to spotlight your abilities clearly and loudly to grab the attention of potential employers.
If you are unsure about what to include (or avoid) in your CV, consider these top tips:
Things to Avoid in Your CV:
- Long, passive phrases: Keep your CV engaging by using the present tense, being concise, and incorporating plenty of action words.
- Unrealistic accomplishments: Be honest about your skill set; exaggerating your abilities will only lead to scrutiny during the interview.
- Overly technical language and jargon: While it is essential to showcase your knowledge, keep your language clear and accessible. Your CV is a sales pitch, not a technical manual.
- Personal unrelated activities: Unless your hobbies directly relate to the role, it is best to omit them. Having no hobbies listed is preferable to including irrelevant ones like ‘socialising with friends’.
Words to Avoid in Your CV:
Recruiters often have their own dislikes when it comes to CV phrasing. Some common fails include:
– Flexible
– Motivated
– Strong work ethic
– Multi-tasker
– Independent
– Detail-oriented
– Self-motivated
While these words may have been standard in CVs, they have lost their impact over time. Instead, aim to use more meaningful terms and support them with real-life examples.
Words You Should Use in Your CV:
When describing yourself, focus on positive attributes such as:
– Accurate
– Adaptable
– Confident
– Hard-working
– Innovative
– Pro-active
– Reliable
– Responsible
However, merely listing adjectives is not enough. Back up these attributes with concrete examples from your experiences and accomplishments.
How to Use These Words:
Craft strong statements that demonstrate your skills in action, using terms that convey positivity and proactivity. For example:
– Achieved
– Formulated
– Planned
– Generated
– Managed
– Represented
– Completed
– Implemented
Always align your CV with the job description provided by the recruiter. Highlight the skills and attributes they are seeking, and tailor your application accordingly.
In conclusion, your CV is your ticket to securing an interview. Make it count by using impactful language, supporting your claims with evidence, and aligning it closely with the job requirements.
