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Sometimes recruiters and HR managers only have a limited amount of time to scan or read CVs, making a well-written CV indispensable if you want to pass the first selection process and progress to the interview stage. Michael Page has compiled a list of the 10 most important elements that recruiters look for in a CV.
Don't send the same CV for every application: to stand out from the crowd, make sure you to tailor it to the position by highlighting the experience and/or skills that will catch the recruiter's eye. For example, if the job involves leading a team and you've already held a management position, don't hesitate to highlight this experience.
It's always best to use impersonal expressions when writing your CV. This makes for more concise and dynamic reading. Example: "In charge of communications..." rather than "I was in charge of communications...".
Highlight your knowledge and experience in the sector in which you are applying. Your expertise will be an asset in the eyes of recruiters - in the event of equivalent applications, sector experience can really tip the balance in your favor.
When you list the jobs and positions you've held, don't forget to mention the projects you've led and the successes you've achieved in each. This will give your potential future employer a clear idea of what you could bring to the table. Use figures, if possible, and concrete examples.
A good CV will obviously highlight your educational background and give details of the diplomas you've obtained. But it's also important to mention any training you may have taken, especially if it's directly related to the position you're applying for.
It can be tempting to change reality to better suit the requirements of the position you're applying for. But lying on your CV is a very bad idea: recruiters will often check whether your diplomas and professional experience correspond to reality. What's more, lying about your skills won't stand up to the test if you end up getting the job.
Think of the recruiter who will be reading your CV: he will quickly lose interest if he can't, at a glance, spot the information he is looking for. To make your profile attractive and highlight the logic of your career path, it's important to present a CV that's legible, well laid-out and easy to read. Keep colors to a minimum, use a simple font and bullet points to list key elements. Rank your experience from the most recent to the oldest, and put each one in context (year, position, company, etc.).
Your choice of words and style should be consistent with the sector in which you are applying. Adapt to the type of language used in the advert and don't overuse excessively technical or specific terms that might not be clear to the recruiter.
It may seem a little trivial or superfluous but mentioning your passions or "hobbies" in your CV is a good way of highlighting personal qualities or soft skills that could be useful in a professional context. What's more, it gives the recruiter an opportunity to ask you more details about it and start a conversation on a subject you enjoy and master.
When you upload your CV to apply for a job, make sure it's in an accessible format (PDF, Word). If the recruiter can't open your file, there's a good chance he or she will be unable to read it.
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