Recruiters overall have about 3-10 seconds to look at your CV and to decide whether they want to continue the discussion with you. No matter how great substance you have, if it doesn’t stand out, it doesn’t matter. So, how can you pimp up your CV and make it every recruiter’s daydream?

1. Keep it short! You don’t need 9 pages to explain your 5 years of working history. In theory, if you have had around 1-3 positions or employers, try to make them fit into one page. If you have had more, use 2 pages if needed, maximum 3 !

2. Rather than using full sentences, use bullet points. In the first bullet point shortly describe what you worked within this position. In the second one describe what you achieved and in the third one either if you are a developer, the technologies you used, or then key learning points.

3. Use numbers! If there are some tangible things you could describe with numbers, use them. It gives perspective and a better picture of your achievements.

4. Cut the sales clerk experience. So, you are a professional specialized in something now? Act like it and leave the irrelevant work experience away from your CV. We are not very interested in the fact that you used to work as a part-time dog walker in 1994. If you really want to include this information in your CV, you can add a section called “other work experience”, where you can just list some jobs you used to have.

5. Let your CV reflect you! If you are applying for a position as a Designer or other visual position, you should make your CV look like it. Show the recruiter on the other side what you can do. Use your skills.

6. Add a picture. Many of us are very visual, and remember people easier when we can combine a face to a name. So when recruiters discuss recruitment decisions they will refer to you as “you know this Anna, the very sharp looking programmer”. And one more tip – add a professional picture!

7. Adjust your CV! Make it seem like this is the only job you are applying for and there is nothing more you want in the world than this job. Read what the employer is looking for and match your CV to those requirements. Never lie, but try to really think why you would be the best candidate for this job.

To make your online profiles shine download our free eBook and get cracking or read more about CV training!