The key to a successful CV is creating a strong impression that will make you stand out among other candidates and get the job of your dreams. How can you do that? We analyzed the latest trends in building the best CV in 2023 and found the following must-have elements:
- Use modern designs
- Write your CV for the person who is going to read it and the particular job you are applying for
- Showcase your individuality and your professional skills
- Make sure your CV is not too long
- Ask someone to double-check and enhance your CV
- Use exact figures whenever possible
Now, let’s look at each element of a successful CV in detail:
Use modern designs
One of the most powerful ways to impress the person who will be reading your CV is its overall design. Without any words, the design demonstrates who you are, what you can do, what your values are, etc. This is particularly helpful for more experienced employees who would like to demonstrate they are efficient and up-to-date with the latest trends. Using a Word document to draft your CV may lead a recruiter to believe you are not particularly interested in the job or don’t know how to present yourself. This is not the impression you would like to leave in potential recruiters.
Write your CV for the person who will read it and the job you are applying for
One of the most common mistakes job hunters make is pretend to be someone they are actually not. Your CV is your means to communicate to your particular target audience: a recruiter or an HR expert, who will read it and decide, based on what they have read, whether to invite you for an interview or not. So think about this person when you sit down to write your resume; focus on the job description and think about the company you would like to join. Write your resume taking all these elements into account.
Showcase your individuality and professional skills
A well-written CV that showcases your individuality and personality may bring you the job of your dreams. A poorly drafted resume may potentially stop the journey before it has even started. The key is using the tips outlined here. Think about your individual features that may be interesting, attractive or in demand, and include them in your CV, taking into account the person who will be reading it. For example, you are applying for a job that requires advanced crisis management skills. You can mention how you were able to repair an old car, found all the parts that are no longer in production and modified them to make sure the vehicle works properly. Such examples will help you demonstrate your individuality and professional skills that you may not be able to mention in your CV otherwise.
Make sure your CV is not too long
This is bringing us back to the considerations regarding the audience that your CV is targeted at. As a rule of thumb, create one page for every 10 years of professional experience. But if you are applying for a senior role, for example, a CEO, your resume may be a bit longer because your potential employer will spend a long time analyzing you. On the other hand, if you are one of hundreds of candidates for the same job, you should probably stick to a shorter format. If an employer has any additional questions about your applications, they will send you an email or invite you for an interview.
Ask someone to double-check and enhance your cv
No matter who you are and how good you are at what you do, another person’s perspective can substantially improve your CV. Sometimes, it is just a matter of fixing some typos or offering some advice on ways to improve your CV. Therefore, it is important to ask someone who knows you well, especially when it comes to your professional skills and knowledge. Writing a CV is about self-reflection and coming to terms with what you have achieved throughout your professional and personal journey in life, but sometimes an outside view may help you realize what makes you unique.
Use exact figures whenever possible
This is not always possible, but if you can, using exact figures can help you highlight your experience even better. For example, “increased sales by 25% in three months” is much more impressive than just “increased sales”. Therefore, when you highlight your professional obligations and achievements, make sure to create a good impression.
If you still need professional advice for creating the best CV in 2023, don’t hesitate to contact our fantastic team of HR wizards who are there to help you out and bring you the job of your dreams!
