2019 is now in full swing and the job market is humming… job seekers are eager to find great new roles and organisations are on the look out for talent.

CVs remain the popular method for applying for jobs, so it’s important to properly craft your document in order to increase your chances of getting noticed by a hiring manager.

The purpose of your CV is to secure you a job interview.

Based on my experiences of helping many clients over the years, here are some top tips for sharpening up your CV:

1. Check your speling sppelling speeling spelling! Spelling mistakes on a CV shows a lack of care and attention. Use a reliable spell-checker and get someone to proof read it as well.
2. Have dates to support your evidence. I’ve seen too many CVs where there are no dates or time frames attached to experiences.
3. Include a link to your LinkedIn profile (and other relevant websites too). A simple link can direct a hiring manager to more useful information about you.
4. Avoid using general, broad statements in your Career Objective. Reading that you want to ‘maximise profit for a company’ or ‘work for a dynamic, forward-thinking company’ is cliched drivel. Be specific about who you are and what you want!
5. Describe your tasks and responsibilities. Your work history contains evidence of your skills, so make sure you mention what they are. Don’t assume a mere ‘job title’ will satisfy a hiring manager.
6. Be thoughtful about your interests. Reading that you like ‘travel, sports and socialising’ is bland and too generic. Be more specific and think of those hobbies that are unique and make you interesting.
7. Check your grammar. A poorly edited CV gives the impression you are careless (or struggle with your writing skills). As above, get someone to check or help you write your CV.
8. Keep your CV updated. A CV is not static and nor are your experiences. Add new and relevant things to your CV so your most up-to-date self is represented.
9. Brief CVs are best. Generally a 1 to 3 page CV is preferred. A hiring manager doesn’t have time to trawl through masses of detail and text.
10. Be mindful of acronyms. Don’t assume the a hiring manager knows what you’re referring to.

Invest time in developing a strong CV before undertaking your job search. Not only will this increase your readiness for applying for opportunities, it will affirm your strengths and build your confidence too.