Having the knowledge and skills to write a resume is vital if you are pursuing a new job or role. Today’s competitive market demands professionals to present a CV that leaves a lasting impression on the recruiters. These experienced professionals need to reflect on their extensive work history and skills acquired during this time, as well as align themselves according to the modern demands of recruiters or potential employers. Your CV should be strong enough to identify you as an ideal candidate at first glance. This article will discuss CV writing tips for experienced professionals and strategies to get hired faster.
Tips and Strategies for CV Writing
Tailor Your Resume For Each Role
As a professional, you should know that sending out a generic CV to every job position will get you nowhere. To maximize your chances of getting the job, make sure that each time you apply for a job or a different role, you tailor your vitae to the description of that position.
As a professional, tailor your CV and skills according to job requirements and make sure to integrate keywords for that specific role. For example, if the job requirements are “project management and stakeholder engagement,” make sure to use these exact words in your resume.
Start With A Strong Executive Summary
Begin your CV with an engaging executive summary that emphasizes your years of experience, primary talents, and accomplishments. This brief section should provide a complete overview of your professional identity and should be tailored according to different job positions. Avoid using any generic statements or templates for your summary; instead, focus on measurable outcomes and industry skills.
Highlight Your Key Achievements
An employer is looking for someone who has achieved something in his professional career, not just years of experience. They want to see what impact you had in the previous organization and what you could bring to the table. In your CV, make sure to quantify your achievements by mentioning them in bullet points specified under each role of your professional career.
For example, if you have experience in sales, you can mention, “Increased sales by 25% in 8 months through strategic planning and product placement strategies,” or as a social media marketer, you can mention, “Increased Social Media Engagement by 130 % over 6 months with targeted ads, resulting in 20 % increased traffic to the company’s website.” However, suppose you are not sure how to present your achievements as quantifiable data. In that case, you can seek help from CV writing services online, as they can cultivate the perfect CV according to your experience, skills, and achievements.
Key Words Optimisation
To make your vitae get noticed and leave an impression on the ATS system, make sure to incorporate keywords in your resume. The ATS system scans, sorts, and ranks the applications even before they reach a human being. To make sure that your CV ranks at the top of the list, use targeted keywords taken from the job posting.
Also, pay careful attention to the relevant skills, qualifications, and experience mentioned in the job description, as the ATS also looks for them while scanning. The terms used for various skills and qualifications will be the ones ATS would search for, so make sure to use them in your resumes. However, make sure not to overload your CV with repetitive keywords.
Skill Section With Core Competencies
In your CV, have a clear section under the heading “Key Skills” or “Core Competencies” to mention your areas of expertise. In this section, you can mention the technical skills you have acquired, whether they be computational, language, management, or any other soft skill. In this section, according to the job description, you can mention industry-specific terminology and keywords, making it easier to be identified during the ATS scan.
Modern Structuring And Formatting
To make a strong impression, you require a CV that is formatted and structured properly. Many executive CVs follow outdated, traditional ways of formatting their resumes as they are not aware of recent changes. This hinders their chances of getting the role they applied for. Modern resumes require a minimalistic style of formatting and structuring, making the vitae easy to read and presenting a more professional look.
In your resume, you can use fonts such as Arial or Calibri, with a maximum size of 12, to make it easier to read. Make sure to incorporate bullet points to maintain clarity and utilize italic & bold headings to guide the reader. You can also add subtle designs or minimalistic colors to add visual appeal to your CV. Avoid using outdated templates and cluttered layouts. A well-structured and visually appealing CV polishes the look and makes it easier to spot key information easily.
Include Professional Certificates
As an experienced professional, mentioning any professional certifications you might have done for your development or learning any new industry-level skill is always beneficial. This shows your determination and commitment to your field. List down all the training, certifications, or boot camps you might have attended. For example, certifications such as CPID or PMP can significantly enhance your professional image. This is one of the most crucial CV-writing tips for experienced professionals, as they neglect its importance due to their years of experience and exposure.
Keep It Concise
Even though you are a professional with 15+ years of experience, it is not ideal to have a CV of more than 2 pages. Your CV reflects you, and you should include your talent, skills, and experience concisely and briefly. This makes it easier for potential employers to identify who you are just by reviewing your CV. Focus on your recent years of experience, talk about the set of skills that matter, and if older roles are important, summarise them into a brief section.
Maximizing Your Chances Of Getting The Job
These strategies and CV writing tips for professionals are all the things you need to stand out and get hired quickly. Professionals should tailor their resume according to the jobs they are applying for while ensuring it highlights their achievements, is keyword optimized, and properly structured. They can showcase their value through key skills alongside evidence of professional development.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I update my resume?
You should update your CV at regular intervals, if possible in 6 or 12 months or whenever you gain new experience and certification.
Is including a picture in your resume a necessity?
No, it is not, as many countries, such as the UK, don’t require a photo unless specifically asked for.
Should I include hobbies and interests in a professional CV?
You can include them in your CV if they align according to your professional career.