14 writing tips for a winning CV
The idea of creating or updating a CV intimidates many people. It is true that writing a CV is not an easy task. It often requires self-reflection, and one may not always know where to start. To help you with this task, we provide you with 15 writing tips to create a winning CV.
1- Determine your job search objective before resuming writing
Once you have defined your objective, you can structure the content of your CV around it. If you write your CV without a clear objective in mind, it will likely be difficult for those reading it to understand your expectations. Take the time to reflect on this before starting.
2. Think of and create your CV as a marketing tool
Your resume is the marketing brochure of your skills. Your CV should answer these questions: What are your characteristics and advantages? What makes you unique? What are your recent successes? Make sure to highlight this information in your CV.
3. Use your CV to secure an interview, not a job
You don't need to go into detail about every achievement. Strive to be clear and concise. The purpose of your CV is to generate enough interest from your readers for an interview. It is during the recruitment interview that you will detail the content of your CV and emphasize certain aspects of your personality and professional background.
4. Use short sentences
In the body of your CV, prefer short sentences over long ones. Resumes are read quickly. Use bullet points to structure your CV.
5. Use verbs and action words
Verbs and action words help make your application more dynamic, highlighting your skills to reassure the recruiter.
6. Use symbols and well-known abbreviations, but avoid acronyms from your professional jargon
Symbols like USD or $ for dollars, E for euros, % for percentage, etc., are easily understood by recruiters and help save space. However, avoid using acronyms from your professional language.
7. Highlight your strengths at the beginning of the CV
Just below your name and prominently, list your strengths in 3/4 lines. Initially, recruiters will skim through your CV in a few seconds to sort through the many applications they receive. This highlighting will allow them to quickly assess your CV and place it in the pile of CVs to keep.
8. Use words from the job offers you are responding to
Feel free to use key words and phrases from job offers. By using the recruiter's vocabulary, you facilitate the reading and understanding of your CV when they discover it.
9. Use trendy words
If there are terms that demonstrate your skills in a particular field, use them in your CV. For example, for marketing professionals, use terms like "competitive intelligence," "buzz marketing," etc.
10. "Show what you know"
Rather than going in-depth in one area, use your CV to showcase the breadth of your knowledge. Use the recruitment interview to provide more details. Leave intentionally some areas open to questions to develop them on the day of the interview.
11. Ensure your CV is easy to read.
Leave spaces. Use a font size of at least 10 points. Limit your resume to 1 page. Remember, CVs are reviewed quickly. Help the reader scan your CV efficiently and effectively.
12. Have your CV proofread
Have someone review your resume and the job listings that interest you. Encourage them to ask questions. Their questions can help you discover flaws in your CV or areas to clarify.
13. Submit your CV to potentially interesting employers.
Always start by sending your CV to the least interesting employers. They will serve as a test. You can judge their response and adapt or optimize your CV for the job offers that interest you the most.
14. Consult the examples of CVs available for free on Creeruncv.com to format your CV.
