As a job seeker, your CV is your personal billboard - your chance to make a statement and ensure you don't go unnoticed. In a world where recruiters spend just a few seconds scanning your CV, every word counts. This article explores the top five resume tips and what mistakes to avoid while making a resume to increase your chances of securing your dream job.
Your CV should have the same effect as the most viral and exciting advertisements, catching the eye of recruiters and making them want to know more about you. In a world where recruiters spend just a few seconds scanning your CV, every word counts.
How do you strike the perfect balance between showcasing your achievements while deleting information that could be important? In this article, explore the top five things to keep on your CV, and what you should remove to increase your chances of securing your dream job.
1. tailor your CV to the job
Each job application is unique, and your CV should reflect these differences to enhance your chances of success. Rather than simply highlighting your relevant skills and experiences, make sure to integrate keywords from the job description in your CV and application. This helps you ensure that your resume will pass through automated screening systems, which typically filter prime candidates using specific keywords.
To tailor your CV effectively, start with the job description. Identify key words and phrases that match your experience, and incorporate that exact language into your CV. This ensures that both automated Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and human recruiters can easily recognise your qualifications.
In fact, you can use AI-driven tools to bypass AI-powered screening platforms. Use a job scanner to improve your chances of landing in the “yes” pile by optimising your CV for ATS systems and recruiter workflows. These platforms reverse-engineer top ATS algorithms and offer insights into what hiring managers look for, giving you an extra boost in your job search.
To enhance your CV, review a few similar job ads and identify frequently used keywords. Categorise them into job-specific terms (like software or technical skills) and action verbs (such as managed or implemented).
This method aligns your CV with industry standards and boosts your chances with both Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and recruiters. Be sure the keywords you choose accurately represent your skills and experience.
Here’s an example for a Mechanical Engineer role:
Job-based terms:
- CAD (Computer-Aided Design)
- FEA (Finite Element Analysis)
- Prototyping
- Product design
- Lean manufacturing
Action verbs:
- Designed
- Analysed
- Developed
- Improved
- Implemented
Examples in point form:
- Designed and developed 3D models using CAD software to improve product efficiency by 15%
- Implemented lean manufacturing processes, reducing production time by 10%
- Analysed FEA results to optimise mechanical components for enhanced durability
2. highlight quantifiable achievements, not just duties
It’s a common practice to list all job duties on your resume, but it’s not an effective way to demonstrate your skills to potential employers. Instead of simply listing every detail of what you do at work, focus on your quantifiable achievements and the impact you've made in previous roles.
Whether you've streamlined processes or helped the company save time and money, using quantifiable metrics to clearly illustrate your success, as numbers provide concrete evidence of your contributions. For example, instead of saying you were "responsible for overseeing a sales team," a statement like “Led a team of 10, reducing project delivery time by 25%” to effectively communicate the value you’ve added in a tangible, powerful way.
Even if your job isn’t numbers-based, you can still quantify your job impact in a meaningful way. Use estimates or ranges to highlight your contributions, such as your ability to complete a project before deadline or the type of stakeholders you manage at work. This offers hiring managers insight into your workload and abilities, even without precise data.
The formula is: Carried out X action, resulting in X result. In practice, this looks like: Effectively managed project activities and timeline with a team of three to complete all deliverables 1 month before deadline.
3. create a strong personal statement
Start with a bang to make an impact. Use a personal statement (or a professional summary) - to highlight your worth, showcasing in two to three short sentences why you're the perfect fit for the role by highlighting your qualifications and achievements
Sitting at the top of your CV, a strong personal statement shares crucial information about you to the hiring manager within the first few seconds of viewing. It offers a snapshot of your professional identity, your career aspirations, and what differentiates you from other candidates. Be concise, clear and ensure the message aligns with the specific role you’re applying for.
While personal statements are not mandatory, when done right, it can set the tone for the rest of your application. Mention achievements and strengths that directly connect to the job description, and use positive, confident language such as "adaptable," "self-motivated," and "enthusiastic" to communicate your value and potential.
Your personal statement should contain the following:
- What your expertise is: “With over five years of experience in digital marketing, I specialise in developing and executing data-driven campaigns that increase brand visibility and customer engagement.”
- Your top skills and achievements: “Skilled in SEO and content strategy, I led a team that boosted organic website traffic by 45% and reduced customer acquisition costs by 10% within a year.”
- The organisation’s name: “I am keen to contribute my expertise in digital strategy to ABC Company to support your goal of expanding your digital presence in APAC.”
- Your goals as a potential new employee: “As a member of your team, my goal is to drive measurable results and collaborate on innovative strategies to grow ABC Company’s online footprint and increase customer loyalty.”
4. keep it clean and readable
Many job seekers make common CV mistakes such as cramming unnecessary details or too much information into their CV, thinking it will impress potential employers.
However, recruiters appreciate white space on the page to make scanning easier. Keep your CV to one page if you have less than 5 years of work experience, and if extending to two pages, make sure the most important details appear on the first page.
For example, if you’re looking to apply to a fintech position, a previous internship at a Web3 startup should be higher up on your resume than an internship at a marketing firm from a number of years ago.
You may be tempted to include all your co-curricular activities (CCAs) as a way to boost your CV, but not all of them will be relevant. For example, if you were a leader in your university’s Debate Society, this can demonstrate leadership, communication, and project management skills. However, CCAs like recreational sports or arts may not directly contribute unless it is related to your career.
Use clear headings, bullet points, and a professional font to ensure it’s easy to navigate and demonstrates attention to detail. The “less is more” principle applies - having a quality resume could secure you an interview, giving you the opportunity to share more details.
5. proofread
Spelling and grammatical errors can severely undermine your professionalism and credibility in the eyes of potential employers. A CV with mistakes raises questions about your attention to detail and commitment to quality, it can also make the employer question your credibility.
To ensure your CV is error-free, take the time to proofread it thoroughly. It’s often helpful to read your CV out loud, as this can help catch mistakes that you might overlook when reading silently.
Before submitting your CV, have a fresh set of eyes review it to catch any typos or unclear content - not just an AI proofreading tool as they may not be entirely accurate or consistent.
Your resume should pass the "parent test" - if people unfamiliar with your field, like your parents, can understand your achievements, you’re on the right track.
details your CV doesn’t need
When crafting your CV, it’s just as important to know what to leave out as it is to know what to include.
Many job seekers inadvertently clutter their resumes with unnecessary information, diluting the main objective of a CV and making it harder for hiring managers to see their true value. By eliminating the excess, you can spotlight your qualifications and achievements, ultimately enhancing your chances of landing that coveted interview.
1. personal information
When crafting your CV, avoid cluttering it with irrelevant hobbies, outdated certifications, or unnecessary personal information. The content of your CV should take centre stage, so keep the design clean and professional.
Personal details have no place on your CV. Including this information can not only distract from your qualifications but also potentially expose you to hiring discrimination, and are best left off.
Things to omit from your CV:
- Photo
- Birthday
- Home address
- Marital status
2. irrelevant work experience
It’s also important to remove outdated information, such as early career roles that don’t align with your current job search. For example, you should remove your GPA if you’re not a fresh graduate looking for a job.
If you have relevant certifications or training from tertiary education, you can omit less important educational details to make more space for your achievements.
3. reasons for leaving your previous jobs
Including your reasons for resigning from previous jobs is unnecessary for your CV, which should focus on showcasing your professional journey, not justifying past career moves. Reasons for leaving jobs can be misinterpreted by potential employers, raising concerns about job stability or personal issues.
The only time when you may want to explain your previous career decisions is if you were retrenched. You can always explain your reasons for resigning when prompted during an interview to frame them in a positive and professional light.
4. last-drawn salary
Listing your salary on your CV can significantly limit your negotiating power or chance at securing a job interview.
Disclosing your previous salary may cause employers to anchor their offer based on what you earned in the past, rather than considering the true value of your skills and experience. This can result in offers that may not reflect fair market rates or your current qualifications.
Employers who do not have the budget to match your salary may also decline arranging an interview, even though they are a great place to work with many more employee benefits to compensate for the expectations gap.
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Creating a standout CV is both an art and a science. By incorporating these resume tips and avoiding common CV mistakes, you can craft a CV that effectively represents your strengths and aligns with your professional aspirations. Remember, your CV is more than just a document - it's your entry ticket to greater career opportunities.
When learning how to write a CV, it's important to address any unexplained gaps in employment and highlight your career progression. This demonstrates your growth and development over time, showing potential employers that you're ambitious and capable of taking on increasing responsibilities.
If you're ready to take your CV to the next level, take advantage of Randstad Malaysia's expert guidance. Our specialised recruiters are here to help you refine your CV and match you with the ideal job opportunities for your unique skills, experience and preferences. Alternatively, explore our latest jobs and apply for your next career move today.