5 steps to building an impactful CV
Category: Tips and Advice
Publish date: 01/08/2022
While there is no "right" or "wrong" way to write your CV, there are general principles you should follow to give you the best possible chance of success in your job search. Developing a different CV for every job you apply for will ensure you demonstrate your match to the specific requirements of each respective role.
Here are 5 tips for building an effective CV:
1. Prepare Plan your CV before you start. Analyse the job description and identify what qualities the organisation is looking for; allowing you to understand your alignment to all required knowledge, experience, skills and qualifications based on your time in service.
2. Personal profile This should succinctly convey why you're the right person for the job. Tell the reader who you are, the benefit you bring to their organisation and what makes you stand out from other applicants, focusing on the key requirements of the role and how you directly align with them.
3. Key skills Having a key skills section is a simple yet impactful way of showcasing your top qualities in relation to the requirements of the role. For example, if the job requires you to lead a team, you can include "leadership" as one of your key skills; making sure you then provide evidence of these skills in the body of your CV.
4. Professional experience Working in reverse chronological order, outline the scope of each of your previous roles within and outside of the military, and demonstrate a link between what you've done in the past to the responsibilities outlined in the job description; showcasing how your experience has made you the perfect candidate.
5. Achievement statements Outline the action you took, which skills you utilised and how the result of your actions benefitted your employer or colleagues. Where possible, quantify the results and ensure each statement is applicable and relevant to the role you're now pursuing. Two lines per achievement statement should be enough.
Your CV is arguably the most powerful tool at your disposal. Coming from a military background, it’s important to refrain from using any military jargon that may confuse a civilian employer. Remember, all the skills and experiences developed during your time in service are transferable and highly relevant to the civilian market. Spend the time reflecting on your career and identifying which qualities and knowledge areas are applicable to each role you apply for before building your CV.
If you’re struggling with building your CV, you’ll find a wealth of resources and support available to you via myPlan; and your CTP Career Consultant is always on hand to work with you to refine each and every iteration of your CV as you embark on the next phase of your career.