Resume writing is a handy skill that can benefit you no matter which stage of your career you are in - whether you’re looking for your first job out of uni or someone who has decades within the industry.
Writing your CV can seem like a daunting task, but with the right guidance, it doesn't have to be. Here are some top tips for creating the perfect CV:

Documenting Achievements: Make sure to document your past successes in your CV. This will help to demonstrate that you are a competent and successful individual. Include a section that outlines the goals you achieved in your previous roles, as well as any awards, certifications, and recognitions you have earned. Showcasing your achievements is paramount to showing prospective employers your skills and showcasing your talents. Make sure to include these under each role that you have on your CV as it is more important than showcasing responsibilities. While responsibilities are important, achievements show how you’ve excelled within the role or experience.
Using Metrics: When discussing your past successes, make sure to include metrics that quantify your achievements. Metrics such as revenue generated, cost savings, or customer satisfaction scores can all be used to help demonstrate the value you have brought to the organizations you have worked for.
Clear Layout and Presentation: Make sure your CV is well laid out and easy to read. Use a simple font and be sure to use section headings to help guide the reader. Also, make sure to keep the length to two pages or less and avoid using unnecessary jargon or overly complex language. If it’s not relevant to the job, it can be ok to leave it off your resume. Think of your CV as highlights about what makes you suitable for the role - you want to showcase your achievements in a way that is quick and easy to read.
ATS Systems legible: Many employers now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to help them filter out unsuitable candidates and help them sort through the sheer number of applications that they may receive if they are a larger company. ATS software will read your CV and look for keywords to then determine your suitability based on you CV. Make sure to optimize your CV for these systems by using simple language and including keywords from the job description. Ideally a word format CV is best and don’t use images as these systems won’t be able to read text that may be an image.
5. Research and tailor your job. While it may feel easier to just “spray and pray” your CV to any job you feel eligible to apply for, make sure to research the employer and tailor your CV for the specific job you are applying for. Doing your research is important - remember you are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you in order to make sure that it is a good fit for each other. It may feel counterintuitive but it will save you time in the long run.

Following these tips will help to ensure your CV is attention-grabbing and stands out from the crowd.
Good luck!

PS. Got a role but now want some help practicing how to ace that interview? Read our interview tips here!