New year, new me. How many times have we heard the resolution and even said it ourselves? Probably more times than we would like to admit. But, alas, the new year has come in full swing, but what about us? Are we ready to turn a new page in our lives?
Everybody is different, and so are our New Year’s resolutions. However, if yours happens to include a job change, be sure to read on. Here is a short to-do list and a friendly reminder, especially when it comes to creating (or updating) your CV.
Once we make the courageous leap and decide to switch professions, stress and (un)expected commitments are sure to follow. While cutting corners and looking for a quick fix may sound inviting, remember that recycling your CV is never a good idea. “New job, new CV” should never be the alternative to “New year, new me.”
If we were to describe the situation in the labor market at the end of 2022, turbulent would be one of the milder terms. Thus, it is safe to say that 2023 will be just as difficult and unstable. According to experts, the fight for top talents will continue with full force, and their advice for applicants — distinguish yourselves from others.
In the following paragraphs, you will find several useful pointers when it comes to creating a new CV.
1. Every job has a unique situational circumstance
It is always a good idea to tailor a CV to each job you apply for, bearing in mind that not all information is relevant for every position. A good CV is clear and concise, with an emphasis on relevant points. But, most importantly, it stands out among the rest.
2. Yellow pages
There is nothing worse than looking through CVs and finding an ideal candidate who meets all the criteria, only to discover that the contact information is missing! A recruiter’s worst nightmare. To avoid such mishaps, don’t forget to include your contact information and make sure it’s up to date.
3. Welcome to the Digital Era
In this modern day and age, it is safe to assume that most of the working population has an account on at least one social media platform. Of course, we are not talking about followings on Twitter or getting likes on Facebook. Rather, we wish to emphasize the influence of platforms designed specifically for business interactions. In fact, when making a CV, feel free to include your LinkedIn or any other business account, as long as it is relevant to your job.
4. No guessing games, please
As we mentioned earlier, be concise and to the point. Two pages of the most significant work experience are more than enough, even for the most experienced of boomers. Pay attention not to overdo it, but on the other hand, leaving out important information can be detrimental.
However, there is one detail most applicants forget to include in their CVs — the job description. Listing the names of former employers as well as our previous positions is the information we all consider necessary. But what about the obligations and tasks we performed there? Well, let’s leave it to the recruiters to guess. In order for a CV to truly stand out and find the right connection between employer and applicant, it is important to mention what were our exact work tasks in previous positions.
5. Portfolio to the rescue
We are in for an unpredictable year, especially when it comes to the labor market. What’s more, considering the situation, it is always a wise choice to mention all of our experiences and achievements in the CV. Why is this necessary? For one, it will help us show why we are the best fit for the position.
From pastry chefs and designers to programmers, everyone can compile their own portfolio. A good portfolio should showcase our work, highlight our success and prove to the employer that each experience is unique and desirable for the position.
While we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, we should note that a person looking for a job will always be judged by their CV.