In today's competitive job market, your CV is often the first impression you make on potential employers. A well-crafted CV can be the difference between landing an interview and your application being overlooked. Here are the essential tips for creating a standout CV in 2024.

1. Keep It Concise and Relevant

The modern CV should be no longer than two pages for most professionals. Recruiters typically spend just 6-10 seconds on initial CV reviews, so every word counts. Focus on the most relevant experiences and achievements that directly relate to the position you're applying for.

2. Use a Professional Format

Choose a clean, professional layout with consistent formatting throughout. Use a readable font like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica in 10-12 point size. Ensure there's plenty of white space to make your CV easy to scan.

Key formatting tips:

• Use bullet points for easy reading
• Maintain consistent spacing and margins
• Use bold text sparingly for section headers and job titles
• Stick to black text on white background

3. Tailor Your CV for Each Application

Generic CVs rarely succeed in today's market. Customise your CV for each role by:

• Including keywords from the job description
• Highlighting relevant skills and experiences
• Adjusting your personal statement to match the role
• Reordering sections to emphasise what's most important

4. Write a Compelling Personal Statement

Your personal statement should be a 3-4 line summary at the top of your CV that encapsulates who you are, what you offer, and your career objectives. Make it specific to the role and company you're applying to.

"A strong personal statement should answer three questions: Who are you? What can you do? What are you looking for?"

5. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties

Instead of simply listing job responsibilities, showcase your achievements with quantifiable results. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your accomplishments.

Examples:

Instead of: "Responsible for managing social media accounts"

Write: "Increased social media engagement by 150% over 6 months, resulting in 25% more website traffic and 15% increase in online sales"

6. Include Relevant Keywords

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter CVs before human review. Include industry-specific keywords and phrases from the job description to ensure your CV passes through these systems.

7. Proofread Thoroughly

Spelling and grammar errors can instantly disqualify your application. Always proofread your CV multiple times and consider asking a trusted colleague or professional to review it as well.

8. Update Your Skills Section

Include both technical and soft skills relevant to the role. For 2024, employers are particularly looking for:

• Digital literacy and tech skills
• Adaptability and resilience
• Communication and collaboration abilities
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Emotional intelligence

Final Thoughts

Remember, your CV is a marketing tool designed to secure you an interview, not the job itself. Keep it professional, relevant, and tailored to each opportunity. At Brilliant Economy, we help candidates refine their CVs to maximise their job search success. If you need personalised CV advice, don't hesitate to contact our team.