The benefits of an informative, well-presented CV Resume Profile are enormous.
But, what else influences the recruiters?
To answer this question it's important to understand the recruiter's role. Quite simply – their own success depends upon getting a strong flow of talent into their client's business. In a nutshell, they have to separate the good candidates from the bad – quickly!
So, how do you distinguish yourself from the competition?
A first step is to closely analyse and identify the expertise needed for the target job. Then, engage the recruiter's interest by weaving into your CV Resume Profile examples how you have successfully met similar needs and 'added value' to organisations.
Make a compelling case - present your information explicitly, positively and factually – without embellishment!
Obvious, you might say! Well, surprisingly or not, many people do overlook the fact that ambiguous, long-winded and unsupported content does not impress in today's intensely competitive job market.
Easier said than done? Need some help?
Learning to say less rather than more can be tricky. In essence, to capture and hold the reader's interest a perfect CV Resume Profile should be:
Achievement-orientated and evidence-based.
The mistake often made is to simply describe job responsibilities, yet a job title is usually sufficient for most recruiters to work out the functions of a role.
Far better to go straight to the results. Ask yourself . .
- By how much did I increase profitability?
- When did I take the initiative and what was the result?
- What challenges did I overcome to win the contract?
- How did I help my company achieve a sustainable advantage?
- When was I instrumental in improving operational efficiency?
- What strategies improved staff morale, performance and retention?
Highlight when you used initiative, made a contribution, turned around performance. Give examples of when you have played a pivotal role:
- Redirected sales strategy to a consultative, customer-orientated approach and achieved record sales growth of 85% within two years
- Initiated and led team to redesign innovative, award-winning website - trebling visitor numbers and enquiries.
- Renegotiated third party carrier agreements to improve on-time deliveries, service at reduced cost
Implicit within the language is a 'can do' approach and highly prized key competencies - attitude, initiative, customer service orientation, analytical thinking, desire to influence, interpersonal skill, knowledge sharing, and relationship building capability
A cautionary note: ... avoid the temptation to over-elaborate achievements. At interview it is important that you can expand on and quantify your achievements with confidence. Later, at the 'reference' stage your former employer might well be asked to confirm your claims.
Strong, original Language: ... try to avoid bland, generic words that mask your personality and lack originality of thought. Weak words include 'worked', 'liaised', 'assisted in'. Rather, select words that show strength - 'managed', 'directed', 'project-led' 'forecasted', 'marketed', 'restructured', 'created'
Professional Presentation: ... the CV Resume Profile is not the place to demonstrate computer genius, accessibility to templates or fancy coloured paper. Create a welcoming, professional design by keeping the style simple with an uncluttered, streamlined structure. Allow plenty of white space and keep to the same font, with minimal emboldening.
Length. Is the 'one or two-page' CV Resume compulsory? Many people advise not to go beyond a one or two pages! But can brevity be sufficient in every case? Sometimes the answer is, no. Much depends on the role and the audience. Make every word earn its keep and omit the immaterial – the right length will find itself!
Consider the following careers :
Consultant Dermatologist : the Medical Panel need to know about qualifications, career history, surgical skill, clinical commitments, research, awards, publications, presentations, memberships ...
IT Consultant / Project Manager : recruiters need to know the type of applications and systems expertise, and the environments involved - which are often diverse and complex
The golden rule is be selective and you'll avoid the recruiter's nightmare. . .
reams of unsightly cramped job applications where important information is often omitted and leaves the recruiter confused, or
tiny fonts, single-lined documents, narrow margins - no white space
the unwieldy over-lengthy CV Resume Profile that provides a life history and bores the reader with unnecessary, out of date detail
Succinct and Factual
Commence with an objective Profile to position yourself in the market, your particular area of expertise, and geographical span. Highlight how you achieved and the bottom lane result to give your CV Resume Profile the best opportunity to get you to where you want to be.
About the author
Helga Ann Edge MBA CPRW LCIPD is a LinkedIn CV Résumé Bio Writer, and has gained inclusion within LinkedIn's 'Top 1% Most Viewed LinkedIn Profiles'. Since 1990, Helga´s unique perspective on the jobs market has ensured clients get to where they deserve to be – quickly! See her LinkedIn Profile with 100+ LinkedIn Client Testimonials, and 100s more on www.aperfectcv.com
Helga can be reached at .. .. helga@aperfectcv.com | London 0203 4114 876 | International +34 965 771 175 | Skype helga.edge | https://www.linkedin.com/today/author/helgaedge.