How to make your CV stand out

With employers receiving as many as 100 CVs for each job vacancy, it’s no surprise that employers first action is usually to divide the CVs into a simple yes or no pile. The CVs in the yes pile will be looked over again and considered for interview whereas the no pile will likely be discarded.

Here are some good ways to ensure your CV is added to the yes bundle.

How to avoid being put in the no pile

There are some very simple ways to ensure that your CV is not discarded straight away:

• Zero spelling mistakes 
• No photographs or emojis 
• 2 pages 
• Appropriate font and good layout

Back up any skills, qualifications or experience with examples

Don’t just claim to have a particular qualification or that you have a certain skill. Anyone could simply state that on their CV. Employers want to see examples of how you gained that skill or how you have applied it in your current role.

For example, if you say that you are a strong communicator explain how you develop this skill and how you have applied it. 

Include a link to your LinkedIn profile or any other professional online portfolio

If you have a LinkedIn profile, blog, vlog or another online portfolio (such as art or writing) that portrays you in a positive light include the link to this on your CV. For instance, if you are a writer or artist and have your own website or social media page displaying your work it makes good sense to include a link to this.

Doing this not only helps the employer (after all you are providing them with another way to learn about you as a person) but if they cannot find you on LinkedIn they may search for your Facebook or Twitter profile instead (which may not be as professional). 

Have a strong personal profile

The first thing on your CV after your name and contact information should be your personal statement. This is a short paragraph written in the third person which outlines who you are and what you are currently doing, your key skills, qualifications and experience and what you are hoping to do. 

Include something unique or interesting that the interviewer is likely to remember (and ask you about)

Have you experienced or achieved something that is particularly exceptional? Do you have a very unique skill? Perhaps you have won a special award. Interviewers constantly look for candidates that have something different to the other candidates. If the interviewer is particularly interested in this they are likely to select you for an interview and ask you about it. Just make sure it is the truth and that you have not exaggerated or even lied.