Have you been applying for jobs and haven’t been getting any response?
Has it ever occurred to you that your CV might be the issue?
It’s easy to overlook some things in your CV when applying for jobs and you might be doing it wrong.
Here are some tips we thought might be of help to you in writing and editing your CV professionally.
1. Keep your CV ATS-compliant
Most companies use Applicant Tracking System (ATS). This means your CV might not even get through to the recruiter because the system has filtered it out. When applying for a job, make sure your CV contains most if not all of the requirements of the job. This way, you make it pass the tracking software.
2. Choose a format that works for you
The most common one is the reverse-chronological format because it allows you play with the layout. The format you choose should get your most important details closer to the top where the recruiter can easily spot them.
3. Choose a readable font
The font for your CV does not have to be “great”, but it has to be clear and readable. If you choose a format that is difficult to read, the hiring manager might set your CV aside without reading.
Good formats
Arial
Verdana
Times New Roman
Wrong formats
Comic Sans
Papyrus
Chiller
4. Font size
Your font size should be between 10 and 12. This is so the recruiter can read it without squinting.
5. Use simple subheadings
There are certain subheadings that pass through ATS (Applicant Tracking System), and those are what you should use.
For instance, these are good subheadings:
Resume profile
Education
Skills
While these are bad;
About Me
Accreditations
Work History
6. Align your CV to the left
Aligning your CV to the left makes it easier to skim through.
7. consider using a professionally designed template
Templates can save you a lot of stress and mistakes. All you have to do is choose a template and edit appropriately. You can start here https://zety.com/resume-templates
