7 ways to update your CV in 2017

Are you still following an antiquated set of guidelines for your CV? Those who have stuck to formatting meant for the days when CVs were always printed run the risk of being overlooked by potential employers. Here are some top tips for updating your job search for the digital age.

1 Think simple
A good CV doesn’t have to be a work of art. Don’t hide behind a complicated design and flashy colours. Focus on your strengths and experience, but don’t make it too wordy. Simple is always better if you want to be noticed for the right reasons.

2 List your soft skills
Obviously it’s important to list your previous experience and hard skills, but you should also draw attention to your personality traits. Include a section for soft skills such as leadership, empathy and teamwork.

3 Don’t limit yourself
Back in the day people used to say your CV had to fit on one sheet of paper. Now, because nearly all applications are made online, you shouldn’t feel the need to limit yourself so much. A longer CV is actually a benefit these days, so long as all of the information on it is relevant. Go ahead and harp on your achievements if you think they’ll impress the recruiter.

4 Include keywords
Pay close attention to the words used in the ad for the role and tailor your CV to include these key terms. This will ensure your application can get past automated systems that scan CVs and only pass on ones with relevant keywords.

5 Build your personal brand
Your CV is your chance to show an employer who you are before they even meet you, so take extra care to showcase your personal brand. Use descriptive words that tell the recruiter all about you and why you’re perfect for the role.

6 Make it interactive
Electronic CVs can easily be made interactive. Include a link to your LinkedIn profile (and if you don’t have one, start one now). Have you written articles for industry publications or started a blog? Link your CV to these too so you can show your potential employer that you’re active within the industry.

7 Tailor it for mobile
Think about your current boss’s habits; chances are he or she reads a lot of their emails on a mobile. Keep that in mind when you’re designing your CV. Choose a template that’s optimised for smaller screens and check it on your own device before you send it out.

Read the original article at bit.ly/2iLbWoj