2020 so far has probably been one of the hardest hit years most of us have seen in a long time if not our whole career.  It has brought a sudden halt to many programs and projects therefore flooding the market with some exceptional talent, and with it people’s anxiety to get noticed within such a tough market.

I often get asked for feedback on a person’s CV so I thought I would share a few of my personal hints and tips on how you can best present yourself and get recognised.  It is not completely full proof but will hopefully help both you and me….

ON YOUR CV

PERSONAL OVERVIEW – Recruiters and hiring managers are currently inundated with responses therefore a personal overview is your elevator pitch on who you are, what you have achieved and what you able to bring to an organisation, and if appropriate, your technical skills.

CAREER MATRIX AND DATES – This is more of a personal preference for myself and how I review a CV, but a matrix of where you have worked and the specific dates.  Often clients are particular about industries that they want candidates from so this makes it easier to see the full extent of your career in a snapshot.

BULLET POINTS – When going into more detail of your specific role, responsibilities and achievements, no one has time to read a book (if I did, I would be able to finish reading Shantaram!).  Remember your CV is a document that is to entice the hiring manager in, to make them want to invite you in and find out more – THEN you can talk in more detail.

LENGTH – This goes back to not reading a book.  A CV should be no longer than 4 pages, 5 at tops.  I know some people have years of experience or a varied skill set but you need to keep it sharp and to the point, emphasise your skills according to requirements.  If a client is actually interested in the specifics of a role you did 25 years ago, they can make a request for that information.

Other activities you can do include:-

KEEP NETWORKING – Linkedin is a great tool for getting back in touch with old colleagues and managers, even people you’ve not met before.  Remember it is a professional networking site so if you haven’t spoken to someone for a number of years, or you don’t know them, don’t let that bother you, they’ll know it’s about work and not about being your new best friend!

GIVE REFERENCES – And try and get some back.  The more you get on Linkedin, the better. 

KEEP POSITIVE PEOPLE, THERE IS A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE COVID TUNNEL AND WE’LL ALL MAKE IT ONE WAY OR ANOTHER