How to make my CV stand out

Youdontseeme

Morning all,

I have read so much conflicting advice regarding how to set out, what to put in, what to leave out etc...

I have now found what sounds like a perfect job I want to ensure I at least get an interview. I have applied for a few jobs recently and nothing, although I think this may have something to do with wanting to relocate but maybe not.

Do I put a personal statement, if yes at the start or at the end?

Its been a while since my CV has been "out there" and while I have updated it I'm not sure if it's the best it can be.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

YDSM

Sambucus_Nigra

You need to write a different cv for each job - you don't just have 1 cv!

There are loads of templates out there, and loads of info on here about the layout - but the main thing is - on the section where you put your skills and experience - rewrite it so that each skill/experience that this job is looking for [say, time management and customer service] is titled separately and has at lease one sentence on how you meet it

eg

Time Management
I am fully conversant in the techniques of time managment and have utilised these techniques when negotiating supplier's delivery dates, pre planning events and marketing and on daily scheduling.

Customer Service
I have a full range of customer service experience, from being the main point of contact by phone for major campaigns, to visiting customers and resolving any problems at their offices and have been awarded employee of the month 3 times after being nominated by happy customers.


add the rest in - picking out each skill/experience that they are after and showing how you meet it

At the end

I feel that I have the skills and experience that match the role that you are looking for and look forward to expanding on this information at interview.

slummymummyof3

Make sure you use a good quality paper to print it on as well, rather than bog standard cheap printer paper. Then use a matching envelope.

BackOnTrack

When I was looking for a job I rewrote my CV for every role I applied for. The CV I had uploaded on job sites was usually a general CV with particular emphasis on skills that I thought would result in me getting calls about roles I would be interested in.

For me I have a short personal statement near the begining off my CV and elaborate more in my covering letter. The rest changed depending on a role. If the job is being handled via a recruitment company any recruitment consultant worth their name will give advice regarding how best to present your CV, if any "recruitment consultant" tries to charge you for this walk away.

Youdontseeme

Thanks all, I do have several different CVs and a basic one to fiddle about with.

I was told by recruitment consultant when I was last looking (4 years ago!) to take off the personal statement and use that as my cover letter if needs be, but I guess things have changed.

At the moment at the top are my key skills, then my employment history with bullet points of the things I have done in each role.

Will have a bit of a rehash and see what happens, fingers crossed!

YDSM