ARTICLES

What is the most common mistake made on CVs? That they are not achievement-focused. Recruiters and hiring managers want to know what results you have achieved for the business, the impact you have created, the outcomes you have contributed to and the value you have added by doing your job. A CV without evidence is like a car without wheels - it will not take you anywhere.

A vital element of anybody’s professional presence and job search is LinkedIn and if you are going to be on there, then you need to have an effective LinkedIn profile. Here are 11 tips to help you maximise your LinkedIn profile.

Other than your name and contact details, your profile is the most important part of your CV. If you can’t keep the recruiter/hiring manager’s attention in this brief section, you have lost them and they won’t read the rest of your CV, however fantastic it may be. But how do you make your profile so engaging that they will want to read the rest of your CV?

Most of us dread writing or updating our CV. It can feel awkward, overwhelming, or like a tedious admin task. But the truth is, a little discomfort now can lead to a lot of growth later and no regrets about potential missed opportunities. Here are four reasons why updating your CV can actually be a positive, productive experience. No pain, no gain - here's how to make it hurt less.

Your CV needs to stand out for the right reasons. Follow these 4 tips to create your 5 star CV. CVs are not a documentary history of your career, they are a marketing tool to sell what you have to offer - skills, knowledge, capability and experience. And they need to demonstrate to the reader a compelling case for hiring you.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software designed to help employers and recruiters find the most relevant applicants for a position based on keyword matching. They scan and store CVs, sort applications, build shortlists and move suitable applicants through to the next step of recruitment – a real person. You may not be able to beat ATS, but there are ways that you can make your CV succeed within the ATS framework. Think of it as learning how to become noticeable to ATS.

Your CV is about you, but not for you. It needs to be a clear, concise showcase of what you have to offer with relevant information and evidence that you can meet the roles requirements AND bring the skills, knowledge, attitude and experience to deliver success. A clear, concise, accessible CV makes it very easy for the reader to scan and puts you in the ‘must know more’ pile of candidates, don’t make them hunt for the info they need or they’ll move on! And science shows two

Personal branding is essential for career growth, but many struggle to express their value and keep their CV and LinkedIn profiles current. But doing so is key to career success.

Why is it so hard to write your own CV? It's because everything you write down has an emotional connection to you and you will procrastinate and struggle to get perspective because you can't separate the self-judgment from the evidence. How nice would it feel not to be staring at that blinking cursor and your CV from years ago, wondering where to start?