Write the PERFECT CV: Cambridge University Careers Consultant *reveals* 3 Golden Rules

Summary

Mirage, a careers consultant at Cambridge University, shares three golden rules for crafting a standout CV. Rule one is to tailor your CV to each job application, aligning it with the job description's requirements. Rule two emphasizes the importance of placing relevant keywords in the left channel for quick recruiter recognition. Rule three advises using bullet points to tell a story, bringing skills to life with examples and numbers. By following these rules, candidates can significantly increase their chances of landing an interview.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tailor your CV to each job application by aligning it with the job description's requirements.
• 🔍 Prioritize the order of skills in your CV to match the order in which they appear in the job description.
• 📈 Use concrete examples and quantify your achievements with numbers to provide evidence of your skills.
• 📝 Focus on the left-hand side of your CV to include relevant keywords that recruiters search for.
• ⏰ Remember that recruiters spend an average of 3.9 to 5.1 seconds on a CV, so make the first impression count.
• 📖 Use storytelling in your bullet points to bring your skills to life and engage the reader.
• 📈 Highlight your skills with specific examples from your education and experiences that are relevant to the job.
• 👀 Make sure every line of your CV serves a purpose and communicates value to the recruiter.
• 📉 Avoid including irrelevant information; every detail should contribute to your suitability for the role.
• 💼 Consider your CV as a marketing document designed to secure you an interview, not a job offer.

Q & A

What are the three golden rules for creating an effective CV as mentioned in the script?

The three golden rules are: 1) Tailor your CV for each job application by focusing on the specific skills and requirements listed in the job description. 2) Highlight the skills and experiences that match the job requirements on the left-hand side of the CV to catch the recruiter's attention quickly. 3) Use bullet points to tell a story that brings your skills to life and provides evidence of your abilities.

Why is tailoring your CV considered the first golden rule?

Tailoring your CV is the first golden rule because it involves customizing your CV to match the specific requirements of a job description, which helps to present your education and experience in the best context for that role and increases the likelihood of getting an interview.

How does the order of skills in a CV affect its effectiveness?

The order of skills in a CV should mirror the order they appear in the job description, as this signals the importance of those skills to the recruiter and ensures that the most relevant skills are noticed first, which is crucial given the average time a recruiter spends reviewing a CV.

What is the significance of the left-hand side of a CV according to the script?

The left-hand side of a CV is significant because recruiters tend to focus on this area first when searching for relevant keywords from the job description. Therefore, populating this side with the desired skills is essential to hook the recruiter's attention.

Why is it important to include numbers in your CV bullet points?

Including numbers in your CV bullet points adds texture to the story and makes it feel more three-dimensional. It provides concrete evidence of your skills and achievements, which can help recruiters visualize your capabilities and contributions.

What does the script suggest about the average time a recruiter spends on a CV?

The script suggests that a CV gets read on average for 3.9 seconds (median) and 5.1 seconds (mean), indicating that the initial impression made within the first few seconds is critical in determining whether a recruiter will spend more time considering your application.

How can storytelling through bullet points enhance a CV?

Storytelling through bullet points can enhance a CV by making the listed skills more relatable and memorable. It helps recruiters to imagine the candidate performing the described tasks and provides a more compelling narrative that stands out from a typical resume.

What is the purpose of a CV according to the careers consultant in the script?

According to the careers consultant, a CV is not necessarily meant to get you a job, but it is designed to secure an interview. It should be viewed as a marketing document that effectively communicates your value to a potential employer.

Why is it normal not to have all the skills listed in a job description on your CV?

It is normal not to have all the skills listed in a job description on your CV because no candidate is expected to possess every single skill required for a role. The focus should be on showcasing the most relevant skills and experiences that align with the job requirements.

What advice does the consultant give regarding the length of a CV?

The consultant advises that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the length of a CV. The main goal is to ensure that every line on the CV serves a purpose and communicates something valuable to the recruiter based on the job description.

What is the metaphor used in the script to describe an ideal CV?

The consultant uses the metaphor of a 'slim fit' suit to describe an ideal CV, suggesting that it should be tailored and concise, with every element performing a specific function to effectively communicate the candidate's value to the recruiter.