Why don’t I have good CV results?

Not getting good CV results? Well,  if you’re wondering why don’t you have good CV results or if you’re awaiting CV results, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll take a look into one aspect of CV writing, and that is the CV length.

Let’s start at the beginning. The point of your CV is to get you results. Everyone knows that – that’s why you write a CV.  However, if your CV is not getting results, you’re doing something wrong. One of the most common reasons why people don’t have good CV results is – believe it or not – CV length! Therefore, we’re going to focus on that particular issue.

Essential information only

When it comes to CV writing, the following applies: don’t overload it with information.

 To get good CV results, you need to think of what the reader wants to see, not what you deem important. In reality, this means that a lot of things that you subjectively think are important are not.

Recruiters and hiring managers may personally enjoy slow-paced novels or long, elaborate songs, but when it comes to your application, a few seconds is all you get. If it takes more than that to go through, sorry, but “too long, didn’t read” and onto the NO pile.

There are definitely too many CVs for them to go through to read 3 or 4-page long essays. So, if you want to start seeing CV results, you better adapt.

We’ve come up with 4 essential tips to help you: we call them “TLDR to avoid TL;DR”.

T = Target your CV

We can’t stress this enough: there’s no such thing as a universal/general/generic CV. Take the time and tailor your CV to each job application. If you want to get great CV results, you better do the work.

Let the job ad be your guide; never let it out of sight. If you’re awaiting the results of your CV, try targeting it.

Basically, try to imagine what the recruiter would like to read. Then, present your skills, experience, and achievements as close to that as possible.

Try to hit all the crucial requirements. Identify the keywords in the ad, and use them.

Describe and market yourself using their language and you’re sure to grab the recruiter’s attention.

L = Long is wrong

Space in a CV is a limited commodity. Therefore, if you want your CV to bring you results, you better memorize this.

It’s not scientifically proven recruiters are allergic to having more than two pieces of paper in their hands, but it might as well be your leading thought when writing your CV.

So, to conclude, whatever you write in your CV, write it on no more than two pages. Aim to fit everything into one page.

D = Ditch the details

Another important thing to note is: get your point across in a direct, clear, and concise way. That will get you CV results.

Use efficient and relevant language, stay on track, and don’t bore the reader.

Avoid full sentences and make strong use of bullet points.

Keep your verbs active and your adjectives to a minimum.

Remember, your task is to list and describe your skills, education, past duties, and experience, not to explain all the ins and outs of your career. Save the details for the interview! Give this a go and see if you’ll still be awaiting results of your CV.

R = Right away!

As we said, you don’t have much time to grab the recruiter’s attention, so you better not waste any.

Make sure your relevant assets and most impressive achievements are screaming at them as soon as they look at your CV.

One good way to do this is to write a “qualification highlights” section and put it right under your name, on the first page of your CV. Think of it as your professional storefront. Here, you can list your most significant experience, abilities, certificates, and professional traits.

Indeed, you need to show the gist of why you should get the job in the first few lines; when the recruiter bites, they’re usually staying on the hook. This way, you will ensure they read your CV.

What do to if you don’t know what to do?

There are plenty of resources available online; many CV writing services offer free advice (us included). You can send your CV for a free analysis right here. We also recommend you read our blog – there’s a lot of useful advice there. Check out our “CV Writing” category and you’re destined to learn a lot about the process!

If you’re keen on learning how to write a CV that brings you results, get our step-by-step writing guide right here.

But if this is too daunting (which it is for most people so no shame there!), check out our CV writing services here and get in touch today. Let’s see what we can do for you and get you on the right track.