When putting together your CV, the first step should be to identify the weak points of the document. If your CV is short on relevant information, this should be rectified. In addition, it is wise to try to gain new content that will enhance the value of your CV. To achieve this, you could undertake a voluntary work placement of at least two weeks.
Abbreviations
It’s important to write abbreviations carefully in your CV. Using them in the right place can help you save space. For example, you can use shortened versions of months and year. Be consistent, though: do not abbreviate February and September. Potential employers and recruiters will pick up on such inconsistencies.
When writing an abbreviated version of a title, always use the plural form. For instance, instead of ‘TA’, use ‘TAs’. This way, the abbreviation ‘TA’ is not a contraction of ‘total authority’. In addition, you do not need to capitalize the word ‘TA’.
In addition, do not use abbreviations that are not widely known in your field. For example, if you are a teacher and write ‘IEP’, you’ll come across as inexperienced, even if it’s an acronym for individual education plan. Professional organizations will probably use the abbreviation differently, so if you are using it in your resume, remember to include both the acronym and the full name of the organization.
There are several examples of abbreviations that you can use in your CV. You can use an MBA (Master of Business Administration) or a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy). However, abbreviations should be used carefully and correctly. Abbreviations can save space for skills and achievements. They can also be used for titles and organizational names. Ultimately, the key is to make your CV as clear as possible.
While using abbreviations can save space, they can also make you appear lazy or unprofessional. If your resume does not show that you have put the effort into it, you risk making a bad first impression. This may reduce your chances of progressing in the hiring process. So, abbreviations can be beneficial to your CV if you use them correctly.
When writing abbreviations on your CV, make sure to think about their role. For example, you may recognize the abbreviation BSW, but it’s best to spell out the full name of your degree. Make sure that you include all of the relevant information about your degree, including any honors you have.
Using bullet points
When using bullet points, you should use them to emphasize key points on your resume. For example, if you have worked as a trainer, you should state this fact in your bullet point first. Then, you should follow up with a detailed explanation of what you did and what the results were. These details will make it easier for the employer to see your worth.
Bullet points should contain specific details on the roles you’ve held, the specific responsibilities you’ve fulfilled, and the outcomes you achieved. Avoid rambling stories or vague statements. In addition, bullet lists should be no more than 8 bullets long. Bullet lists that are too long will end up making the resume look messy.
Bullet points are a useful typographical tool that will make your resume stand out and get noticed. They also help you break up large chunks of information into bite-sized chunks. Although most resume bullet point tips focus on the work experience section, you can use them in any other section of your resume as well.
The number of bullet points in your resume depends on the number of jobs you’ve held and how much space you have. For current job positions, use up to eight bullet points. Past jobs, by contrast, need fewer bullets. Past positions should only have one or two bullet points.
Adding statistics
Adding statistics to a CV can add a unique touch to a document. They can be used to quantify the value of your work, such as saving money or time. They can also help show the context of your actions. When used correctly, they can help you make your achievements stand out.
In the work experience section of your CV, most people simply list their duties. However, you can use data and facts to demonstrate specific outcomes, such as an increase in sales of 21% from a market analysis. For example, you might have used MiniTab or SPSS software to monitor your costs and sales. In addition, you could highlight your success with the use of Key Performance Indicators, which measure your performance and impact on business.
Keeping it relevant
A CV is a document showcasing your career history and achievements. There are a number of different sections on the document, but the main sections are name and contact information, areas of interest, education, awards and grants, publications and presentations, and employment and experience. You should also include references if you have any.
One way to improve a CV is to make it relevant to the current job search. Keep in mind that the CV is being read on a computer screen and not printed out, so use eye-catching fonts and use a consistent font size. You can also use formatting to draw the reader’s attention to key points.
You should also eliminate irrelevant information. If you have a long work history, don’t include everything you did. If it’s not relevant to the current role, leave it off. It’s much easier for the recruiter to find relevant information when they review your CV. By making your resume relevant to the job description, you will increase your chances of securing an interview.