Creating your CV (Curriculum Vitae) can be stressful. There are so many ways you can go about it - it can be confusing to know what to include and what to leave out. There are certain things you can put on your CV, though, that can really help you stand out.
Here are just a few examples of things that look great on a CV.
A good amount of time at the same company
This is such an underrated aspect of your CV that isn’t often thought about but employers certainly notice it. Many people jump from one job to another after just a short period of time. While this does have some pros, it isn’t what a prospective employer really wants to see. Showing that you’ve stuck with one company for a while is certainly a benefit.
A second language
Speaking a second language is one of those things that may not be relevant to your particular job but is always nice to have. Businesses like to know that they have a member of staff or two that are able to speak another language. Having a second language also shows that you might have qualities like commitment and discipline because it takes dedication. If you can put this skill on your CV, you make yourself a much more desirable candidate for the job.
Extra Training in Something
Having extra training in something can look good on a CV for two reasons. The first is obvious; it shows that you have more knowledge in this topic and is even better if it’s to do with the job you’re applying for. The other reason, though, is that it shows your potential employer that you are the sort of person who takes their career seriously.
So, whether it’s SQL training or that you’re a first-aider, you can really stand out with this detail.
Keeping It to One Page
Though this is certainly more about what not to include than what to include, it's equally important. It’s natural to want to get as much as you can on your CV as you want to let an employer know that you are the best candidate for the role and putting down all the reasons why seems like the right answer. However, with so many CVs to go through, people don’t really want to read a CV longer than a page. Even when sending it virtually, keeping it under one page is important. This will ensure that you are only putting what is absolutely necessary and aren’t filling it just for the sake of it. If a potential employer has to choose between a candidate with a CV that has two full pages and a short, concise one, they will most likely choose the latter.
Your CV is the first chance your future employer gets to understand you more and decide whether or not they want to continue with your application. Making it stand out as much as possible couldn’t be more important and it can truly mean the difference between getting an interview and not hearing back.