Research suggests that, on average, recruiters look at CVs for only up to 6 seconds while shortlisting candidates.
That is why it is essential to make a strong CV that makes it unique and shortlisted.
Some people think the more experience they have, the better a resume looks. People may also wonder if a resume containing top universities in it will more like be shortlisted.
But these factors are insufficient to make a better CV and get shortlisted. Even if the candidate is somebody not from a Top university, they can attract employers by presenting their CV in the best way possible.
Before diving into the tips to make a professional CV that gets shortlisted, let us know what it is.
A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a document that summarizes the education, work experience, and skills of the candidate. It is typically used for applying jobs and is one of the first things a potential employer will look at when considering the candidate for a position.
A CV is typically a longer and more detailed document than a resume. It includes a complete overview of education, work experience, and achievements, and it may also include additional sections such as publications, presentations, and research experience.
CVs are often used in academia or when applying for research or teaching positions, and they may be required to apply for certain types of jobs or companies.
Now let's take a look at the most important aspects of a CV to make it professional and shortlisted.
Research showed that 76% of candidates with unprofessional email addresses get rejected by recruiters.
A professional email address is significant, so scrap that “cool” email you’ve been using for your Facebook, Instagram or other social media accounts and create a professional one. Make sure to use your full name and keep it formal.
The candidates using random font sizes get their CVs rejected due to a lack of authenticity. Make sure to use the same font and size throughout the CV to keep it simple and attractive.
Many candidates make mistake of not using bullet points while preparing their CVs. That makes it annoying to read and messy.
So, proper use of bullets makes the CV accessible and easy to read.
Because bullets make it more scannable and readable, the best part is that it looks neat and tidy.
Consistency is not only important in life but in CVs as well. The rules are pretty similar, which means if the candidate is making a headline in Bold, make sure the rest of the headlines are also in bold.
To make the resume easier to read and scannable. Make use of subheadings, and the candidate can also use them to divide work experience, academics and more.
Some recruiters use ATS (Application Tracking System) to assess CVs quickly. Using proper subheadings increases the chances of getting shortlisted.
Nobody likes to read a long form of content. It is essential to leave spaces in between the sections to make a neat and clean CV that looks professional.
People might think that making a long resume can help them shortlisted, but the truth is that simple is better.
Make your CV long enough to cover every aspect that a resume needs to have, and do not try to make it long unnecessarily.
Most companies consider looking social profiles of the candidate before hiring them. It is a great idea to include a link to your LinkedIn profile or blog so that the recruiter can know more about the candidate.
Adding a cover to the CV can drastically improve the chances of getting shortlisted. Because a cover letter sums up your profile and tells recruiters why you’re a perfect fit for the position.
When creating a CV, be sure to include your contact information at the top of the page, as well as a summary or objective statement that explains your career goals and highlights your relevant skills and experience.
Also, list your work experience, education, and other relevant information, such as awards or certifications. But keep in mind that the CV is easy to read and free from errors by using clear headings and concise language.
That's all about how to make a professional CV (Curriculum Vitae) for a Job in 2023. Invest time in making a resume to ensure improved chances of landing a job.
