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.


For more tips...
on leadership and management good practice, subscribe to a Minute with Montgomery on 10TV.

Subscribe

Free weekly email on things you didn't know last week with links to articles on leadership excellence. To view previous editions click here.


Learn how to lead effectively

Gleaned from wisdom acquired by working with hundreds of highly successful leaders from the world of business, media and sport, our workshops are fortified with practical tips to help you better lead yourself, your team and your business.

Read More

Leadership Articles

10 weekend habits of purposeful leaders

The most impactful leaders know that success doesn’t come from working around the clock - it comes from working with intention. And that includes how we spend our weekends. While weekdays often revolve around performance, the weekend is a chance to reset... read more

10 actions for effective communication

High-quality communication is an essential element in business and organisational performance. Effective communication relies on engaging with people, having a commitment to building strong and productive relationships and realising that we communicate... read more

10 actions for advancing your career

Standing out at work isn’t about wearing a flashy hat - though, that could help. The more effective way to make an impact is by developing the skills that will get you noticed. Here are 10 strategies for advancing your career: Make skills... read more

Leadership Tips

How to make a critical trade-off

Most meaningful leadership decisions involve trade-offs. To do one thing well, you often have to give up something else. The best leaders don’t shy away from these moments — they navigate them with clarity. Next time you’re facing competing priorities,... read more

How to make goals work together

Balancing work and life often feels like a trade-off. But it doesn’t have to. Personal and professional goals can support each other if you connect them. Done well, this approach boosts motivation, eases anxiety, and helps you lead a more integrated life... read more

How to turn conflict into a leadership advantage

Disagreement at work is inevitable, especially in today’s polarised climate. But conflict doesn’t have to be destructive. Handled well, it can strengthen teams, spark ideas, and build resilience. Here are seven ways leaders can use it to their advantage... read more