9 Questions to Ask Before Sending Your CV Infographic
Before you send your CV to any recruiters or employers, you must ensure that it is flawless. Use the following questions to check that your CV is ready to make a big impression and win job interviews.
1. Does it look professional?
Your CV is often the first chance you have to make an impression, so it's important to appear professional when applying for jobs.
- Ensure the font is clean and simple.
- Check for any spelling or grammar mistakes.
- Ensure your email address doesn't contain am embarrassing nickname.
2. Does it create impact upon opening?
If you want to grab the attention of busy recruiters, you need to create a big impact from the moment your CV is opened. Do you have a persuasive profile? Can you quickly see your suitability for your target roles?
3. Is it easy to read?
If you want to quickly communicate your value to recruiters, your CV must be easy to read and navigate. Ensure it has the following features:
- Clearly divided sections
- Bold headings
- Broken up text and bullet points
4. Is it under 2 pages long?
If you want to ensure that your CV is read in full, keep it under 2 pages in length. If you find your CV is coming in over 2 pages, then try the following:
- Shorten older roles down
- Decrease page margins
- Cut down irrelevant information
5. Does it reflect the requirements of my target jobs?
The key to landing job interviews is showing employers that you are suitable for their vacancies. Look at your CV and check that it highlights your suitability in the following key areas:
- Skills
- Knowledge
- Experience
6. Are my roles well structured?
Your roles need to be logically structured in order to fully explain your contribution to employers. Ensure that you roles having the following features:
- An introductory paragraph that summarises the role
- Bullet pointed responsibilities
- Impressive key achievements
7. Have I proved my value?
Employers want to see a return on their investment after hiring a candidate, so your CV needs to show them the value of your work with quantified achievements such as:
- Cost savings
- Revenue generated
- Processes improved
8. Have I included numbers?
For recruiters to understand the level you work at and benchmark you against other candidates, it is important to use numbers to describe elements of your work such as:
- Budgets managed
- Size of team worked in/managed
- Size of customer base
9. Is it easy to contact me?
Above all, you want to make it easy as possible for recruiters to contact you, so ensure that:
- Your contact details are at the top of your CV
- Your email address and phone number are correct and working
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