How to Write a Winning CV That Stands Out

Writing the perfect CV can feel like a Herculean task with so much varied advice floating around. You might’ve dug through templates and watched countless videos, and yet, the formula for a winning CV eludes you. 

Some say to keep it short, and others recommend a bit more length. Summaries? They’re up for debate, too. It’s a lot to take in. But that’s about to change.

But you need to remember that a great CV isn’t just about following the rules. It’s about highlighting your strengths and unique qualities in the best possible way.

So, how to create a winning CV? That’s exactly what this blog will help you achieve. We’ll walk you through clear and simple steps to design a CV that truly stands out. Our mission? To steer you in the direction of a CV that’s impossible to ignore. Your dream job is just around the corner. Let’s get started!

Top Tips for Crafting a Job-Winning CV

Navigating the world of job applications? The power of a standout CV cannot be overstated. In today’s competitive market, writing a winning CV is crucial for making a compelling first impression. Armed with top tips to ensure your CV not only catches but holds a recruiter’s attention, prepare to elevate your CV game and edge closer to your dream job.

First of all, avoid making these common mistakes

Did you know a recruiter typically glances at a CV for just 6 seconds? Writing a winning CV becomes paramount when many are discarded due to easily avoidable mistakes, ranging from glaring grammatical errors to the use of dated email addresses like that 7th-grade relic.

• Avoid the trap of sloppiness. Thoroughly proofread your document to steer clear of typos, language errors, and inconsistencies. A shocking 60% of CVs contain grammar issues. Let’s ensure yours isn’t part of that statistic.

• Steer clear of lengthy summaries. When writing a winning CV, remember that large blocks of text detailing your suitability will likely go unread. Instead, use bullet points to succinctly spotlight your most relevant experiences, enticing recruiters to read further.

• Excessive buzzwords can dilute your CV’s impact. Terms like “team player” are everywhere. Distinguish yourself by employing powerful words that showcase quantifiable achievements. There’s more nuance to this, which we’ll cover in the subsequent section!

Keep it real and show quantitative results

Job seekers make the mistake of writing general accomplishments like “Managing a hardworking team that brought great success to the company.” Instead of saying something like: “Managing a sales team of 15 that increased monthly leads by a great 25%.”

Recruiters want to learn more about the results that you can bring to the company! So make sure you keep it real (don’t go overboard) and let the numbers do the talking.

When you show quantitative results and measurable metrics in your CV, you will be showing the recruiter and employer the value that you can add to the company once they hire you.

Just because you don’t have metrics to add, it doesn’t mean that you can’t quantify other results. For instance, you can use time, budgets, number of teams, and other comparable results. Did you help your team complete a task 80% faster than usual? Great! Make sure you mention it.

Do you see where we’re coming from now?

Don’t forget to tailor your CV

If you really want to write a winning CV, you’re going to have to make it easier for the recruiter to see if you’re the perfect fit for the job.

So, how can you streamline this process?

Take a good look at the job requirements and see what the employer is looking for. Then, start writing your CV by tailoring your achievements, experience, and accomplishments to the job.

If you’re going through a career change or you have a huge gap in your CV, then we suggest you write your CV in functional order. This is where you focus more on what you can do and your core competencies rather than your work experience alone.

A functional format looks like this:

• Objective: Clearly state your career aim or what you hope to achieve in the position.

Example: Seeking a managerial role in digital marketing to apply data-driven strategies and leadership skills.

• Accomplishments: List major achievements in past roles or projects.

Example:

• Increased website traffic by 40% in 2022.
• Implemented a campaign that boosted customer retention by 25%.

• Capabilities: Highlight key skills and proficiencies.

Example:

• Proficient in SEO and SEM strategies.
• Expertise in content creation and curation

• Employment history: Provide a brief rundown of previous roles, emphasizing relevance.

Example:

• Digital Marketing Associate, ABC Corp, 2020-2022.
• Content Strategist, XYZ Inc, 2018-2020.

• Education: Outline your academic background and any significant training.

Example:

• B.A. in Marketing, University of Anytown, 2018.
• Certified Digital Marketing Professional, Online Academy, 2019.

• References:  Typically, this section might read “Available upon request,” or you can list professional references.

Remember, the key is to curate and spotlight each section, ensuring the recruiter finds pertinent details with ease. Aligning your CV directly with the job’s prerequisites allows the recruiter to swiftly identify your aptitudes and qualifications.

Choose a design that is easy on the eye and hooks the recruiter

These days, almost everyone is working remotely. So ‘’standing out’’ to recruiters can be a stiff challenge. Now, we’re not telling you to go overboard and send your CV in a box of donuts. But we want you to follow a strategy that will yield consistent results. So, if you want to follow an eye-pleasing format that is easy to digest, you can simply follow a black-and-white template with sections that follow this order:

• Summary: 

Example: 

Dynamic Marketing Professional with a proven track record in boosting brand visibility and revenue through data-driven strategies. Experienced in leading cross-functional teams and achieving measurable results in digital campaigns.

• Experience:

Example:

Digital Marketing Manager, XYZ Corp

• Led a team of 5 to increase website traffic by 30% in Q1 2023.
• Implemented SEO and SEM strategies, resulting in a 25% boost in online sales.

• Education:

Example:

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

• Anytown University, 2020
• Specialization in Marketing

• Volunteer work:

Example: 

• Marketing Advisor, Nonprofit Organization

Developed and executed social media campaigns, doubling online donations in one year.

• Mentor, Youth Program

Guided young adults in career development, resulting in 90% securing internships.

• Interests:

Example: 

• Digital photography: Award-winning photographer featured in local exhibitions.
• Hiking: Explored 15 national parks across the U.S., promoting environmental awareness.

Also, you don’t have to put a picture on your CV. Studies have shown that CVs with a picture have an 88% rejection rate! Keep in mind that recruiters can always check your LinkedIn profile to see your picture.

The most important thing to keep in mind here is that if a recruiter really spends 6 seconds scanning your CV, then make sure they catch a good glimpse of who you are. To really hook them, make sure your summary section is done in bullet points (as discussed above) and has quantitative numbers that are gripping.

Keep your “Interests” section interesting

If you’re looking to instantly build a personal connection with the person reading your CV, then consider this as a little hack: let your interests section offer value. Try to make this section all about evoking an emotional response that would give you a major competitive advantage.

Take a moment to think about a topic you love. Whether it’s technology, cryptocurrency, cooking, paragliding, or anything else.

Did something pop into your mind?

If not, then consider going for neutral topics. Food, sports, university, hobbies, and travel. Listing these is not enough, though. You’ll want to write what you love or favorite in parentheses.

So if you love traveling, food, or sports, you can follow these examples:

“Football (Hardcore FC Barcelona fan!)”

“Site seeing (in South East Asia specifically)”

“Trying new food (I enjoy Mexican and Italian dishes).”

If a recruiter spots a common interest, then you can guarantee that it could be a conversation starter when you get that interview with them. Interests can always strike a chord, and they can most definitely provoke an emotional response.

Putting it all together

Your CV is your chance to make an awesome first impression and land yourself that interview you’ve been dreaming of. 

Don’t forget that there’s a lot that goes into crafting a job-winning CV that edges out the competition. The good news is that you’re now armed with the best tips that will help you create a CV that allows you to stand out from the crowd! 

So take some time now to tweak your CV in the way you see fit so you can secure yourself many more great interviews.

Good luck!

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