Careers advice
How to write a CV that gets you noticed: 11 tips and tricks
Capture their attention, get hired
Last updated: 28 November 2024
Writing a CV is both an art and a science. On one hand, you need to include all the important stuff, like your contact details, work experience and qualifications. But on the other, you also need to write in a way that captures the hiring manager’s attention.
To get you started we’ve put together 11 tips to make sure your CV stands out from the rest.
1. Appeal to the robots
Some hiring managers use AI programs and applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter out unsuitable CVs before browsing them personally. To make sure you make it past this first stage, simply note the most repeated and emphasised skills and experience in the job description (JD) and repeat them in your CV. The AI will pick up on these keywords and green flag your application.
It’s also best to only use PDF file formats as some systems will only recognise these.
2. Get creative
Human resources managers sift through dozens, or even hundreds of CVs a day, so if yours is a little different there’s a good chance that you’ll find yourself on top of the pile. The best way to be different is to get a little creative and present your CV in a slightly unique way. For example, you could have it graphic designed, deliver it physically, or follow it up with a friendly phone call. Anything that makes you stand out in a positive way.
Note: If it suits you, and the role, it’s great to be creative but remember – you should always choose a tone appropriate to the position. For example, a colourful, visual CV may be a great option for a graphic designer, but perhaps not a lawyer. And remember, the main objective of any good CV is to tell a story about you, so creativity should never get in the way of that.
3. Include achievements not responsibilities
When most people write a CV they list the responsibilities of their past roles. And while there’s a place for a very abbreviated list of these, showcasing achievements is much more important. Where possible use numbers, percentages and hard facts to show the value you created in past roles and describe what you did using action words.
Writing a resume is all about telling a story that sells you as the solution to a company's problems.
4. Get the video camera out
A video intro or CV can be a great way to stand out by giving you a chance to show off your personality and presence. Be sure to keep it specific and brief (just a few minutes) and make sure the finished product looks professional. You can then host the clip online and link to it from your normal CV document.
5. Do your homework
Before you apply for any job it’s helpful to know as much as possible about the organisation that’s hiring. Start by checking out their website, googling the company name and looking for news coverage, paying particular attention to anything that mentions their goals or aspirations. Then, when you write your CV, try to express how you could help the company achieve those goals in the role.
6. Include testimonials
A good CV should give whoever’s hiring confidence that you’re qualified and capable of doing the job in question, and that you’ll be a good fit for company culture. You can provide your own proof, but it’s always better if it comes from someone else – a few one or two sentence testimonials from past employers or managers should do the trick. These can be the same people that you provide as references, but it’s usually better if they’re from someone different.
Take care with your subject line
Most job applications can be sent directly through a company portal or a platform like Trade Me Jobs. But if a hiring manager, recruiter or employer requests that you send an email to them, you should think carefully about the subject line you use. A good subject line should be brief and simple (under 60 characters) and always include key details like your name and the role you’re applying for. If it's appropriate for the role you’re applying for, feel free to be a little creative to grab their attention, while remaining professional. Here are a couple of examples:
John Smith: Your next marketing coordinator
Jane Smith: Application for junior accountant role
- Ben Jones: Surveyor job application
Jane Doe: Experienced project manager application
Be prepared to talk about your CV during the interview process.
8. Tailor your CV to every job
It may be easier to send the same CV to multiple employers, but it’s better to tailor your CV to every role and employer. The idea is to frame your skills and experience in a way that makes you appear perfectly suited for the position and the organisation, by highlighting your transferable skills and relevant experience.
9. Display your skills
In some cases it’s possible to display your skills directly in your CV. For example, a good copywriter could write a catchy headline, while a graphic designer could craft an eye catching layout. This is a great way of proving your skills instead of simply describing them.
10. Keep it relevant
Hiring a new employee takes a long time and a lot of work – so make your CV as brief as possible by only including relevant information. It’s a good idea to create the document, edit it for errors, then scan it several times to see what you can cut out. Aim for one or two pages, with no filler.
11. Get the basics right
You want your CV to stand out, but only for the right reasons. So before you submit yours make sure you proofread it and get a friend or someone you trust to have a look too. A simple typo can derail a fantastic application. Use PDF as it’s easy to download, read and send, and make sure whatever font and layout you use is easy to read. Don’t forget to edit your CV’s document name to avoid it getting lost in the recruiter’s files – your name and the letters CV is fine.
And last of all, don’t forget to create a Trade Me Jobs Profile – to make applying faster and to help recruiters find you.
Author
Other articles you might like
