Leadership Tip

How to write a better CV

The New Year often inspires people to update their CV. But dusting off your old one and adding new bullet points is the wrong way to go. Start afresh with these tips in mind.

  1. Start with attitude. More important than your CV and pitch is the attitudes, beliefs and energy you can bring to a new role. Build up your confidence before you apply – this is what will determine success. “You behave how you believe.”
     
  2. Write marketing, not history. No one’s interested in your autobiography. Just as in marketing, you’re trying to influence a buying decision. Show your future employer that you are what they’re looking for.
     
  3. It’s not all about you. Don’t emphasise what you want. Employers don’t really care. They want to know how you can serve them.
     
  4. Don’t rely on job sites. Hiring managers are flooded with CVs from such sites. Instead, spend time networking and building up connections.
     
  5. Always follow up. In a flood of CVs, it’s easy for yours to get overlooked. “Don’t be afraid of being too aggressive in your job search. Fortune favours the bold.”

The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our acclaimed 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme and adapted from The Biggest Mistakes People Make in the Job Search by Adrian Granzella Larssen. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please join us on our next complimentary webinar or contact us.


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