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Have you ever wondered how to write a CV that will make you stand out from the competition? If so, you're not alone. Many people struggle to write a CV that is both effective and well-written.
This is why it is becoming more common to utilise AI to craft a CV. While this has several benefits, it can have drawbacks too! While AI tools are becoming more sophisticated, they can still make mistakes or misunderstand your instructions.
Many people are asking the question, should I use AI to write my CV? Well, there is a balance between optimising your CV using AI and not going overboard and making yourself sound like a robot!
So, whether you're just starting your job search or looking to make a career change, let’s take a look at some helpful tips that will help you harness AI to write a CV which will impress potential employers and get you one step closer to securing the job you want.
Quick Tips
Use clear and concise language. Use short sentences and bullet-pointed lists. Avoid jargon and technical terms that your reader might not understand.
Use a professional font and font size. Times New Roman, Arial, and Calibri are all good options. Your font size should be no smaller than 11 points.
Proofread your CV carefully. Make sure there are no errors in grammar or spelling.
AI Tip: AI can be a helpful tool for generating ideas and improving the overall quality of your CV. However, it should not be your sole source of content.
But that's not all!
When writing your CV, it is important to keep in mind that it is a marketing document. You are essentially selling yourself to potential employers, so you need to make sure that your CV is well-written and that it highlights your skills and experience.
1. Tailor your CV to each job you apply for.
Make sure to highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.
AI Tip: Paste the job description into the AI tool you're using and ask it to suggest ways to optimise your CV based on this role.
2. Use keywords throughout your CV.
This will help your CV get noticed by potential employers when they are searching for candidates.
AI Tip: Ask your AI assistant what the tops skills, keywords and phrases are for the job your applying to so you know which terms to highlight in your CV.
3. Use strong action verbs.
Instead of saying "I worked as an analyst," say "I analysed large amounts of complex consumer data on a daily basis."
AI Tip: If you're struggling with a particular sentence, paste it into your AI tool and ask it to suggest ways to make the sentence more suitable for a CV.
4. Quantify your results.
When you're talking about your accomplishments, try to quantify them as much as possible. For example, instead of saying "I increased sales," say "I increased sales by 15%."
AI Tip: Ask your AI assistant what achievements, statistics, or metrics will make you stand out for the job your applying to and draw out those things from your experience.
5. Be honest.
Don't exaggerate your skills or experience. Be honest about what you can do and what you can't do.
AI Tip: Relying too heavily on AI can lead to a generic and impersonal CV, or worse - a false CV! It's important to use AI as a tool to enhance your CV, not as a replacement for your own creativity and critical thinking.
The Essentials
Following these tips will help you write a CV that will make you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting an interview.
Now that you know how to write a good CV, let's talk about what to include in it. Here are a few essential sections:
Contact information: Your name, location, phone number, and email address should be at the top of your CV.
Education: List your schools, degrees, and any relevant coursework.
Work Experience: List your past jobs, including the company name, your job title, and the dates you worked there.
Skills: List any relevant skills or experience you have. This could include anything from computer programming to customer service.
Awards and honours: If you have any awards or honours, list them here.
You can also include other sections in your CV, such as your volunteer experience or personal projects which are relevant to the industry you’re applying to. However, these sections are not essential.
And remember, your CV is a living document. As you gain new skills and experience, be sure to update it accordingly.
Final AI Tip: AI cannot capture your unique personality, voice, or career aspirations. Your CV should reflect who you are as a professional, and AI cannot fully replicate that so only use AI to assist in creating your CV, don't rely on it completely!
Ready to make a career change? Get in touch with the experts at MERJE.
