By: Krystin Morgan
Today’s job market is unlike any other in recent history— mass layoffs in some industries, staffing shortages in others, major shifts in the availability of remote work, and the introduction of AI impacting practically every industry. It’s clear that the same old job-hunting process needs an upgrade. But what does work today?
Draft a CV that sparkles.
While there are several aspects to a successful job hunt, it all starts with your CV. This simple document is more than just a piece of paper: it’s a detailed marketing document that should show off your unique sparkle.
To help you get started, we’re sharing a few actionable tips to help your CV stand out from the crowd, whatever role you’re targeting.
Know and Show Your Unique Value
Your first step is understanding what makes you you. In other words, what is your unique value proposition and what do you bring that no other candidate does?
Take time to reflect on your unique skills and achievements, especially those you can quantify. Ask yourself: how did your work make a difference? Did you cut costs, boost efficiency, or drive results?
Consider how these accomplishments come together to make a personal brand. Maybe you’re someone known for working smarter or always exceeding goals. Think about how that personal brand aligns with your target role, then incorporate it into your CV in industry-specific terms.
“A document that’s clear, easy to read, and adequately conveys your unique value with quantifiable evidence”
Tailor Your CV for Each Opportunity
Your CV should be a dynamic document that you customize for each application. Don’t overthink it; simply review the job posting and make sure the most important requirements are reflected on your CV.
Specifically, pay attention to any “required” or “preferred” qualifications lists, and make sure you read through theduties of the role. It’s important for your CV to show that you’ve done similar work.
While you don’t have to mirror the verbiage exactly, do try and use terms the company uses, as that makes it easier for recruiters and hiring managers to quickly scan your CV for relevant skills. And of course, keep it honest— inventing experience you don’t have won’t help in the long run.
Highlight Leadership and Impact
Call out experiences that exhibit leadership and ownership, especially when you can also show measurable outcomes. For example, you can transform a vague statement like, “Exceeded quotas,” into something compelling when you add some context—“Led team to exceed sales quotas by 50-100% for six consecutive months, contributing to 50% revenue increase.”
Try to start each bullet point with an actionable verb; avoid “Responsible for” and similar wording. Include metrics wherever you can. Even if you’re simply stating that you managed a team of 20 or supported 10 executives, it provides context into your work and abilities.
Incorporate Modern Design and Clarity
Unless you’re in a creative field, your CV doesn’t have to be visually stunning. It simply needs to be readable and clear. Focus instead on a simple, modern layout and design that puts the focus where it should be: on your content.
Be sure your layout is easy to read, with a good balance of text and whitespace. Avoid complex tables or graphics, as they can be distracting and mess with formatting. A small pop of color is fine and adds some personality, but don’t go overboard with multiple colors and fonts.
Conclusion
A well-crafted CV— a document that’s clear, easy to read, and adequately conveys your unique value with quantifiable evidence—is the first step to landing your next dream job.
Just like you take care to present your most professional self in an interview, doing the same with your CV can be the difference between getting a call and being overlooked.
Krystin Morgan is a writer, career consultant, and talent acquisition professional living in Seattle, WA. She’s spent more than 15 years helping grow tech companies and now spends her time consulting and writing.
