In this exclusive careers article from Go Zambia Jobs, we outline 5 ways that you could refresh your CV and improve your chances of application success.
1. Improve the visual appearance
Before an employer has even begun to read the content of your CV they will have formed a first impression based on the visual appearance of your CV.
You can quickly improve the visual appeal of your CV by adjusting the balance between text and white space, shortening paragraphs, adding headings and using bullet points. Avoid the use of multiple fonts, colours and tables and aim to give your CV a clean and modern look.
You can check out some sample CV templates at: CV Basics
2. Put a new CV structure in place
The structure of your CV simply means the order in which you list information in your CV.
The type of CV structure you should use depends on many factors, including your level of experience and the type of job. If you are unsure what structure to use we suggest the following CV structure:
- Name and contact details
- Executive summary
- Relevant work experience
- Education and qualifications
- References
Putting a logical CV structure in place stops employers having to search your CV for relevant information and can increase your chances of application success.
3. Be unique
Each CV should be unique to the role you are applying. You should never send the same CV twice. If you are simply sending the same CV each time without any alterations then you could be significantly reducing your chances of application success. Each employer is different and each job advertisement is different. Read the job advertisement carefully and pick out the key skills and experience required any amend your CV to match. Make every CV unique and give the employer the information they really need.
4. Edit, edit and edit some more
A CV is not a list of everything you have ever done and achieved – this is your Master CV. A CV is generally no more than a 2 or 3 page sales pitch, providing an employer with the information they need to invite you to an interview.
If you have an extensive employment history, only include career highlights, or positions that are relevant to the role. Also, instead of listing all of your day-to-day duties, bullet point a few key achievements that help illustrate your suitability.
5. Start again
If your CVs are not resulting in interviews it might be time to think about starting again.
Starting again with a blank piece of paper may seem daunting but it could help you to develop the CV appearance, structure and content that will lead to success.
It might seem like a bit more effort but it is better than sending the same CV over and over again.
Further Information
To find more careers articles visit: Careers Advice
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To search for the latest jobs in Zambia visit: www.gozambiajobs.com
I have also been sending the same CV for years. I found it very easy and time-saving to just attach an already existing document. That could be the main reason why employers were not inviting me for interviews.
Very important incites, without consideration i have been sending the same CV over and over again
Good insight I have been sending same CV giving me no yield. Thanks
This lecture has come at the right time , for I have been sending the same CV over and over again. This might be the reason for not having responses.
I was also sending the same CV, really insightful
Thanks for the information have been sending the same CV over and again,now I know.
Thanks a lot because I have been sending the same CV over and over.
Thanks for this guidance it will help me in future.
Thanks a lot for this education now. I know where the trick part lies in order to go through an interview .
Now I know,because I usually send th same CV thanks
Thank you so much, didnt realise the monotony of my CV and how it could hinder my chances!
Thanks very much
Thanks very much!
Thank you so much. Have learnt a lot on the CV.
thank you,i didn’t know that using the same cv over and over again can reduce the chances of been picked
Thankyou very much, I keep on sending the same CV over and over again.
wow..! this is really helpful, thanks a lot..!
This has been helpful, am ready to do a CV now
Thank you very much.
I have to refresh my CV.
Am so helpful with this clear information on cv
Thank you very much gozambia jobs.com I have come to know a lot of things that I didn’t know especially on writing a cover letter and CV that are up-to-date with the current job search. Keep it up.
Thanks so much gozambia for the awesome work you are doing I have learned things I did not know and I am more knowledgeable
Thanks gozambia for the wonderful work you are doing. Continue with the same spirit and God bless you.
Thanks gozambiajobs.com. I have learnt one or two things from your teachings. Give more information as possible as you could.
Thank very much we learn every day and have discovered something god bless you
Surely gozambia has changed my perception about preparation of drafting cover leters,CVs and professionally prepare for interviews,thanks gozambia.com keep it up
Great piece, very informative
I have really gained an insight on CV writing.. Thank you so much.
This s great! You‘ve been doing a great job. Thank you for keeping us updated with job adverts. Jkb well done continue!
This is a good advice, i have appreciated it so much. Thank you.
This is special indeed.
Ok my CV it’s just way too bulky yeah have been called to few interviews but it needs a revamp..thanx for this educative article
Very interesting and educative
Well articulated and very interesting . thanks.
Very interesting and educative article .
Thanks very much for educating