Between the wheezing chuckles and self-loathing thoughts, writing a CV can be quite the experience. It always starts off real simple with your name, age, education and so on. Then you’ll get to your skills, hobbies and a brief personal statement.

At this point you’ll probably start questioning: “Is this good enough or am I just bullshitting?” Either that or you’ll finish up your CV, sit back, look at it and wonder if it’s too plain. So here are a few tips to make your resume standout to help you get the competitive edge over other applicants.

Quality over quantity

Even though you’re used to using flowery language in essays and such, refrain from doing that with your CV. Keep it short, sweet, and simple to read. Also use keywords to attract the attention of possible employers – CVs are visual documents after all. However don’t forget to proofread the spelling of business names, job titles, and the phone numbers of your referees.

Use power words

As mentioned above, use the right words to impact the reader. This is how you’ll take your CV from average to compelling. Below is a list of examples:

·       Achieve

·       Demonstrate

·       Influence

·       Convey

·       Implement

·       Launch

·       Construct

·       Illustrate

·       Improve

·       Guide

Think about the aesthetic and structure

We’re all familiar with the term ‘aesthetic’ so try and achieve this with your CV. Have an organised layout that’s both symmetrical and spaced out for a seamless reading experience. You can set out your CV in the traditional ‘sections’ style or try your hand at a ‘timeline’ structure. However even the prettiest of CVs won’t make up for poor content so make sure you put just as much effort into getting your copy flawless.

Personalisation is key

Whether it’s in your brief personal statement or scattered throughout your CV, make sure you tailor your resume to the position you’re applying for. Stats on Career Builder Australia have found that 61 per cent of employers want a resume customised to their open position. You can do this by addressing the specific selection criteria and including work-related interests and hobbies.

See the bright side of everything

When it comes to penning your ‘past experience’ section, don’t feel embarrassed in listing a fast food joint. Look at what you’ve gained and see the positive side. For example working in a fast food outlet has given you experience in working in a high-pressure environment during peak times. Your experience has also given you the opportunity to develop a number of other skills including customer service, time management, and adhering to occupational health and safety guidelines.

Use icons

Jazz up your CV with the icons of your past and present employers. It not only adds a little colour but provides instant recognition for your reader.

Include links to your blogs and LinkedIn profile

If you have a blog or a LinkedIn profile then add these to your CV as links. A blog can provide examples of work, while your LinkedIn profile can further reiterate the points on your resume as well as display your connections. Want to learn more about LinkedIn and what you should put on it? We’ve got you covered.

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Steffanie Tan is studying a Bachelor of Journalism at Monash University.

(Lead Image: The Devil Wears Prada)