Your CV is your ticket in the door when it comes to job hunting. It's the very first thing a recruiter and an employer sees, and it can make or break your chances of securing a phone call and interview. Your CV is more than just a piece of paper; it's your chance to show off your skills, experience, and personality. In a competitive job market, a stand-out CV is your best shot at getting noticed. It's your opportunity to make a great first impression and stand out from the crowd. So, taking the time to create a CV that truly represents your strengths and achievements can make all the difference in obtaining that dream job.

Remember, it's also important to keep your CV up to date, even if you're not actively job hunting. You never know when an exciting opportunity might come knocking, and being prepared with an updated CV will put you in the best position to seize it.

1. Quality Over Quantity
Writing a CV is not about listing every single task or responsibility you’ve ever had; rather, its about showcasing your most relevant experiences. By choosing the most impactful tasks, you can highlight the achievements that truly set you apart. Demonstrate the depth of your contributions and relate it to the role you’re pursuing. When writing your CV, include about 5 to 10 lines about your role, the projects you handled or helped with, software you are proficient with, and achievements you can discuss.

2. Gaps Are Valid
If you might have taken time off, make sure you provide information explaining why you were not in a paid role. Transparency in your CV helps up your profile. Whether it was due to personal reasons, further education, or even a sabbatical to explore new opportunities, acknowledging these gaps portrays your journey authentically. By addressing these periods proactively, you showcase your self-awareness and determination to grow both personally and professionally.

3. Online Presence
Many of us use Linkedin to advertise our career history and skill set. Your linked in profile and CV need to mirror each other, as this can also be an area where accuracy can be called into question. By aligning your LinkedIn profile and CV, you reinforce your professional image and demonstrate transparency to potential employers. It is considered best practice for your CV to provide more detailed information compared to LinkedIn. While ensuring alignment between the two, it is advisable to maintain a higher level of detail in your CV.

4. Presentation
The content and design of your CV go hand-in-hand, much like the chapters of a well-crafted story. It's crucial for your CV to have a flow that guides the reader through your professional journey. Begin with your most recent experiences and work your way backward. Presenting your CV effectively makes it easily accessible and understandable for all readers, regardless of their background or expertise. By incorporating a visually appealing layout, clear headings, and strategic use of white space, you can enhance the readability and overall impact of your CV.

For a more detailed description on how to approach writing your CV follow our Blogs - http://blog.arcadiarecruitment.com.au/

Arcadia Recruitment are specialist in Architecture, Design, and Planning in Brisbane if you would like help with finding your new role, please feel free to get in touch for a confidential discussion.

Caroline Sanders – Director of Arcadia Recruitment