If you are job hunting in the new year, you have probably decided to brush up your CV. After all the effort you have put into honing your personal profile and key skills, have you considered how you will present your CV to a potential employer? With so much competition out there, it’s worth doing some research.
Here are seven simple tips that will make your CV stand out from the crowd, and showcase your skills in the best professional light.
1. Send your CV through the post. Most jobs can now be applied for easily online, but this means that employers are often inundated with hundreds of applications for every vacancy. If your CV is buried in the recruiter’s spam folder, they may never even glance at it. A traditional printed CV sent through the post can help you stand out in a crowded market.
2. Use a high-quality printer. A high-resolution laser printer will produce a crisp black text that looks professional and is super easy to read. If you don’t print documents often, it is probably not worth investing in an expensive home printer, but you could use an online CV printing service.
3. Use good quality paper. Even if you decide not to mail out your CV, it is still good etiquette to bring a copy to an interview so you can refer to it, and hand it to the recruiter if necessary. A paper density of between 100gsm and 120gsm will give your document distinction and show that you pay attention to details.
4. Avoid gimmicky fonts. If you decide to email your CV, using standard and widely available fonts that display on most computer operating systems will give you the best chance of a response. A clear and easy to read font such as Ariel or Calibri in 10 or 12 point is probably the best choice. Headings can be in a different colour, but keep the main text black.
5. Proofread like a ninja! Overlooking typos and inaccuracies is the quickest way to get your CV binned. Use a text-to-speech function on your computer to listen out loud, as this can often highlight missing or wrong words that your eyes slide over when you read. Print out your CV, as it can be easier to spot errors on paper.
6. Don’t include unnecessary information. Your age, date of birth, and marital status are not relevant to your abilities, and it is illegal under the Equality Act 2010 for an employer to ask about them. Also never include a headshot, as this could lead to biased decisions.
7. Pay attention to the overall visual impression of your CV. Does it look cluttered or is there plenty of whitespace? Margins of around 2.5cm and clearly defined sections will make it easier to read. Keep headings big and bold, and make sure the formatting is consistent throughout.
If you are looking for an online CV printing service, then contact us today!
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