6 crucial things recruiters want to see on your CV

Looking for a new job is a competition.
Think about it; when you’re applying for a role, your aim is to beat the other applicants.
The goal is to win!
So, this means that you need to impress at every possible opportunity and your first chance to do just that is with your CV.
Whether it’s a recruiter, manager or HR professional reviewing your CV, they will know exactly what they’re looking for. In fact, they probably know all there is to know about CVs and they’ll spot a bad one from miles away!
To make sure you make a great first impression, you need to include the most important things recruiters want to see on your CV.
Does the perfect CV exist? It’s debatable. However, to get as close to CV perfection as possible, you need to make sure that the reader has everything they want to see. One little slip up could make way for your competitors to take the lead!
This guide will help you tick all of the right boxes.
Read also: How to answer job interview questions, Click here

1. Up-to-date contact information

It almost sounds too obvious, doesn’t it? Well, you’ll be surprised to know that the number of candidates who don’t include correct contact details is staggering.
Potential employers want to see your telephone number and an email address at the very least, including your location is also helpful. Even if you have given this information on your job board profile, for example, make sure it’s visible on your CV, too.
Double check that all of your contact information is correct before you hit ‘submit’. Typos or errors are easy to make! Do you use a standard copy of your CV when applying for jobs?
If it’s been a while since you updated it, ensure that any old contact numbers or email addresses are updated. Such silly errors could cost you your dream job!

 

2. Accurate spelling and grammar

It’s easy to hit your stride when you’re writing your CV, but when you’re in the zone, typing away, you might overlook little mistakes. However, little mistakes can have a big impact! For instance, ‘I am an accomplished Office Manger’ could technically be correct, so don’t rely completely on your spell checker either.
Poor spelling and grammar, or mistakes, can raise questions about your capabilities and skills. A polished, error free CV demonstrates: that you are thorough in your work, have good attention to detail and a certain level of intelligence. All good things!
The key is to proof read your CV before you send it, then proof read it again. Even better, get someone else to take a look at it. If you’re not a grammar whiz and want to make sure your CV is grammatically correct, try Grammarly’s grammar checker – it’s free!

 

3. Your goals

No, this doesn’t mean that you need to include your bucket list on your CV! However, a recruiter will want to see that you are a right fit for the role in question and that you want it, too.
Your personal statement/profile is the ideal place to express what you’re looking for. Don’t be generic, employers want to see that you have a specific path in mind. Also, make sure that what you write here is relevant to the position you are applying for. Expressing your lifelong desire to be an Investment Banker won’t do you any favours if you’re applying to be an Administrator.

 

4. Relevant skills

Relevant is the key word here.
Again, this touches upon the importance of tailoring your CV to certain types of roles. Try to include and emphasise the skills you possess that will, in some way, relate to the job you’re applying for. Remember that you’re trying to sell yourself as being perfect for the opportunity. Take a look at the job advert and make sure that your skills and work experience show that you tick all the boxes.
If your CV is quite long, you can cut skills and responsibilities that aren’t relevant at all. You don’t need to go into too much detail regarding any past roles that are in a completely different industry or remit, just stick to the basics.

 

5. Prove it

Making bold claims about your strengths, skills and experience means nothing without evidence. Wherever you can, back yourself up with proof throughout your CV. Not only will this impress your potential employer, but this can be something that sets you apart from the other applicants.
You by no means need to include hard evidence like documentation in your CV. However, things like responsibilities, qualifications, awards or facts and figures can help to show that you’re not just bluffing.

 

6. Get a little personal

This is where things get a bit tricky. First, it’s worth noting that people hire people, not robots. An employer is more likely to hire someone likeable who will fit in well with the team. So, while your professional strengths and experience are essential, you need to inject a bit of humanity, too!
That being said, what you say can compromise your application. If in your personal profile you present yourself in a way that doesn’t fit well in the role, you could shoot yourself in the foot. Your hobbies and interests also say more about you than you may think, so take care with this section of your CV.
The best thing to do is imagine the perfect candidate for the role. What type of personality do they need? Which personal attributes will help them to get the job done? Then, think about your own skills, characteristics and interests and choose the ones that are most in line with this.
There you have it, six of the most essential things recruiters want to see on your CV! If you make sure that your CV follows these points, you’ll be sure to outshine the competition.

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