13 February 2023
Writing a great CV that’ll stand out to employers is an important step in your job search journey.
If you’re unsure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. At ODIN Recruitment, we’re experts in helping telecoms, industrial, engineering and driving professionals land roles with some of the best UK and European companies. We’re working with individuals like you to put together strong, appealing CVs, that dramatically improve the chances of you standing out from the competition.
Ready to write a winning CV? Here are top tips:
- Research the job: Before you start writing, take some time to research the job post and really understand what skills and qualifications the employer is looking for. You’ll then want to tailor your CV to match their needs. You should never lie on a CV but by gaining a deep understanding of the role, you can ensure you’re highlighting your most relevant attributes.
- Use keywords: In today’s digital landscape, using keywords relevant to the job you’re applying for can really help. Many employers are now using automated technology for quickly scanning CVs and you’ll want to make sure will the keywords in your CV get picked up.
- Highlight your accomplishments: Don’t fall into the age-old trap of just listing your duties and responsibilities; instead, highlight any accomplishments or successes you achieved in each role. This kind of information is really attractive to employers who’ll gain a better understanding of how you could contribute to their organisation too.
- Keep it concise: The rule of thumb is that your resume should be no more than two pages long. While it’s important to try to stick to a maximum of two sides, if that’s really not possible, there can be exceptions. But remember the people reviewing your CV are likely to be busy and may not have the time or will to read through lengthy applications. Be sure to keep things concise and only include relevant information.
- Proofread: There’s nothing more off-putting than errors on a CV. Proofread, proofread, then proofread again. Preferably, get a friend or family member to cast an eye over it – it’s much easier for someone else to pick up your mistakes. Ultimately, any typos or errors could cost you an interview!
- Make it visually appealing: Make the most of design elements to create an attractive and easy-to-read CV. It’s best not to go too OTT with colour and whacky fonts, but think about the formatting, spacing and leaving plenty of white space to make your CV visually appealing, simple to scan read and memorable.
- Tailor for each application: If you’re applying for multiple jobs, don’t just take a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Make sure you’re tailoring your CV for each position by drawing out the relevant skills and experience for each.
- List any hobbies or interests: We’re often asked whether including hobbies and interests is necessary. We’d always advise, yes, include them because it gives employers insight into your personality and motivations. Consider listing any activities that demonstrate skills like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, creativity or leadership and can strengthen your CV further.
- Be honest: It can be tempting to embellish details on your CV in the hope you’ll be the perfect candidate. But this can often backfire if employers discover the truth during an interview, a background check or reference. It’s always best to stick with the facts.
Ready to increase your chances of getting hired? Be sure to implement our top CV writing tips or get in touch with the team at ODIN for further support in finding your next role.
