What Employers Look for in a CV: Insights from Hiring Managers and Recruiters

AfriCareers

13 August 2024

5 min read

If you're looking for a new job, you might be wondering how to make your CV stand out from the crowd. You might also be curious about what employers actually look for when they scan through hundreds of applications. Well, you're in luck, because we've gathered some insights from hiring managers and recruiters who shared their tips and tricks on how to craft a winning CV. Read on to find out what they said and how you can apply their advice to your own CV.

What Employers Look for in a CV: Insights from Hiring Managers and Recruiters

A CV, or curriculum vitae, is a document that summarizes your education, work experience, skills and achievements. It is often the first impression that a potential employer gets of you, so it is important to make it stand out and showcase your strengths.

But what exactly are employers looking for in a CV? How can you tailor your CV to the specific job and industry you are applying for? And what are some common mistakes to avoid when writing your CV?

To answer these questions, we interviewed several hiring managers and recruiters from different fields and sectors. Here are some of the insights they shared with us:

Be concise and clear.

Employers typically spend only a few seconds scanning each CV, so you need to capture their attention quickly and highlight your most relevant qualifications. Use bullet points, headings, and keywords to make your CV easy to read and understand. Avoid long paragraphs, jargon, and unnecessary details.

Be honest and accurate.

Employers will verify the information you provide on your CV, so don't lie or exaggerate about your education, work experience, or skills. If you have gaps in your employment history, explain them briefly and positively. Don't include anything that is not relevant to the job or that you are not comfortable discussing in an interview.

Be professional and consistent.

Your CV should reflect your professionalism and personality, but also match the tone and style of the industry and company you are applying for. Use a simple and elegant font, layout, and color scheme. Proofread your CV carefully for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Make sure your contact details are up to date and professional (e.g., use a personal email address rather than a work or school one).

Be specific and tailored.

Employers want to see how you can add value to their organization, not just a generic list of skills and duties. Customize your CV for each job application by emphasizing the skills, achievements, and experiences that are most relevant to the role and the company. Use numbers, percentages, and examples to quantify your impact and demonstrate your results. Research the company's mission, vision, values, and culture, and show how you align with them.

Be creative and original.

Employers receive hundreds of CVs for each position, so you need to stand out from the crowd and showcase your unique strengths and abilities. Use a creative format or design that suits your industry and personality, but don't sacrifice clarity or readability. Include a personal statement or summary that highlights your career goals, motivations, and passions. Add some extra sections that showcase your hobbies, interests, volunteer work, awards, or publications.

By following these tips from hiring managers and recruiters, you can create a CV that will impress employers and land you more interviews. Remember that your CV is not a static document, but a dynamic one that you should update regularly as you gain more skills and experiences. Good luck with your job search!