Creating an effective academic CV

We all know that what you want out of your CV is to stand out and get that job you so hardly worked for and so much dreamed of. We decided to put together a few tips to help you create the best possible CV to achieve this.

1. Start strong

As much as you might think that the recruiter does not read your skills and key accomplishments, you are wrong. Start your CV with a summary of your skills and key accomplishments which will grab the recruiter’s attention from the outset. 

2. Emphasize results rather than responsibilities

As much as you can provide results or data of what you have actually achieved or helped achieved. We know that this can be hard for some professions, but it is important to focus more on your accomplishments. So for example, instead of saying “I helped to increase Instagram engagement for Company X”, write “I increased Instagram engagement by 25% for Company X”.

3. Tailor your CV for the job you want

Read the job specs, respond directly to them and explain exactly why you are the candidate for the role by relating your accomplishments to the elements of the job role.

Employers look out for candidates who understand the role they are applying for and show that they have transferrable skills from previous jobs that can be of use for the position they are applying for. 

4. Show industry insight

An awareness of the industry you are applying for will show the recruiter and the employer that you have the ability to stay on top of trends. You will be a lot more attractive if you are able to demonstrate knowledge of the industry, so make sure you are up to date with any news and industry changes. This will also help you if you reach the interview stage.

5. Use power words

Empower your CV with words such as adaptable, innovative, implemented and achieved for each of your roles, and follow up with impressive results or outcomes which demonstrate what you have delivered and boost up the words you have just used.

A lot of companies that post jobs online use database software that eliminate candidates that do not use certain key words, so make sure you study the job description.

Creating the perfect CV can be quite time-consuming, and yes you might have to change it several times depending on the job you are applying for, however, see this as the first impression of who you are that a company will see. Isn’t that worth the effort?

The more you study the job description and the industry, the better equipped you will be to make your CV stand out. We hope these CV tips have helped you, and good luck in your job search!