Brush-up Your CV

HR managers don’t have the time or inclination to read lengthy resumes (they often have to plow through mountains of CVs), so put aside your life story and cute anecdotes, and instead, make sure to include the following in your resume, in as concise a manner as possible:

Strengths and abilities
Know yourself. You can’t persuade a customer to buy a product without fully understanding its functions, strengths and properties. Recognise your potential, talents and skills by thoroughly examining yourself and determining your interests and strongsuits. If you have extra qualifications, proficiencies and skills, don’t hesitate to list them! From having taken a First Aid course, to being able to “parlez Francais” – additional abilities can help you bag the job. If you’re not sure what your strengths are, refer to honest friends, educators and family members for advice.

Your benefits instead of features
Apply this golden rule in sales when you write your resume. You can boast about your fantastic exam grades, co-curricular achievements in college, etc. But if you want to catch the interviewers’ eye, focus more on how you can actually contribute to the company. Your past achievements may be less significant than how you can apply the knowledge and skills you have to help a company grow.

Your status as a ‘solution’
Companies announce job openings because they have a hole in human resources. So talk about yourself as if you are the missing jigsaw piece they need: briefly speak of your ability to handle critical situations, your capabilities, and the skills you can apply to the job in question. Make it clear that your goals and the companies’ objectives are a perfect match.

Passion and positivity
Attitude does determine altitude. Show in your resume that you are a rare candidate that potential employers shouldn’t pass over by expressing your exuberance, enthusiasm and positive energy.
No matter how you parted ways with your previous company, speak positively of your former employer, and demonstrate how your previous position helped you learn and grow (never complain about your former job!). Moreover, convey your anticipation and keenness about working in your prospective new company by avidly sharing your goals. Knock your potential future boss out with your ambition!