Whether you call it a resumé or CV, the purpose of it is the same: to land you an interview.

It’s a sales tool to paint yourself as the best candidate for the job. But resumé writing can be a bit tricky – there’s lots of opinions and it’s hard to know what to focus on.

Our Jobedge Job Coaches, who are pros at resumé writing, say some key CV writing tips to help. 

1) Always tailor your resumé to the job description 

The position or job description (often referred to as PD or JD) has all the answers. 

Good job ads make it clear what they’re looking for in their next hire – not just in terms of experience and skills, but their expectations, team and workplace culture, as well as values. These things are just as important! 

Tailor to your experience, skills, and values to align with what’s listed in the job description. Cut out anything that isn’t relevant. 

If you can, try and read between the lines – do they mention a specific area they’re trying to grow or an issue they’re having?

If so, address that in your resumé by showing how you can help. (Keep in mind that this is something our Job Coaches can show you how to do, too.)

Just remember: they’ve got a problem (they need someone for the job) and YOU are the solution. 

2) Keep it simple, clean and to the point

We all want our resumé to stand out, but unless you’re a designer of some sort applying for a design job, it doesn’t need to be a work of art. Instead keep it simple, clear and clean – easy to read beats fancy design every time.  Make it look professional and easy to read by:

  • Only using one or two fonts and colours
  • Leaving some white space on the page (so it’s easier on the eye)
  • Using dot points and headings to make it easier to digest. 
  • Making sure there are no typos  

Don’t:

  • Over-design 
  • Put too much on one page – it can be more than one page, including what’s important. 
  • Clutter your resumé – you don’t need to include everything! Focus on skills and experience that make you suited for the job. 

3) Use active language 

An important part of a resumé is showcasing your impact and achievements, rather than just describing your roles. By using verbs (doing words) makes your language active and more powerful.  For example:

  1. Verb: Implemented an office filing system that reduced unnecessary admin and made it easier to locate vital documents quickly. 
  2. Describing: I was responsible for all office filing. 

By using active language it shows value, initiative and that the person is a team player who wants to help improve the workplace.  Great verbs to use on your resumé:

  1. Executed
  2. Produced
  3. Created
  4. Developed
  5. Implemented
  6. Launched
  7. Achieved
  8. Enhanced
  9. Generated
  10. Improved

4) Link your LinkedIn 

Hyperlinks in a resumé show tech-savviness without having to say ‘I’m tech-savvy’.  It’s recommended that you include a direct link to your LinkedIn profile in your resumé to make it easier for the hiring manager – they’ll appreciate it! 

LinkedIn recommendations are also a fantastic tool – as it’s someone else saying how wonderful you are, rather than you! Hiring managers often take time to read LinkedIn recommendations.

So, if you can, reach out to past employers or managers and ask them to write you a recommendation. (Here’s how to do it.)

5) Get some help from the pros 

Our Jobedge Job Coaches are – quite literally – pros at writing resumés and can help you tailor your CV to a specific job or industry. 

We also know the best way to approach some resumé elements you might be unsure of – like mentioning your specific needs or explaining gaps on your resumé due to unemployment or injury. 

If you don’t have much past experience in a similar or related role, we can also help you communicate the transferable skills that you do have and why they make you the best candidate. 

Get in touch with us today and we can help you develop a great resumé that you’re proud to hit ‘send’ on.

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