When it comes to your CV, you only get one chance to make a good impression. To increase your chances of landing the perfect job, here are some vital CV statistics that you need to know…
This is your first introduction to a prospective employer or recruiter – proofread your CV, and then proofread it again! It only takes one mistake for your CV to be disregarded. You could have all the right skills and experience, but silly mistakes could cost you the job.
You only have two to three pages to impress – don’t waste space on unnecessary images or over-the-top designs. Keep it simple and professional. And include only the most relevant information for the job that you’re applying for.
Recruiters will spend a maximum of 20 seconds looking at your CV before deciding whether you’re right for the job or not – it’s important that your CV stands out!
Prospective employers do use social media to learn more about candidates than what’s on their CV … and do reject candidates if they find something negative in their online search. Make sure your social media profiles reflect how you’ve represented yourself in your CV.
Only include your most recent and relevant work history (15–20 years at the most). Unless you just graduated, your high school certificate or diploma is unnecessary information.
Recruiters are using LinkedIn more and more. While you do need an excellent CV, don’t focus on one at the expense of the other – you need both. LinkedIn acts as an interactive résumé, and allows you to network with recruiters and potential employers – take advantage of that.
Recruiters don’t want to have to work to get hold of your references. Include up to four referees on your CV, along with their contact details. A recommendation from a previous employer counts for a lot in the eyes of a recruiter.
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