Whether you’re applying for a job or simply updating your CV, the aim is to highlight your most important professional achievements and skills. But it can be difficult to balance the fine line between overselling yourself and downplaying your accomplishments. This article outlines some vital tips for selling yourself on your CV without coming across as fake or arrogant.
A strong personal profile is the first thing a recruiter or hiring manager will see, so this is your chance to make a great impression. Choose your most proudest leadership accomplishments and tell them in a compelling story, using the STAR method, to grab their attention. For advice from a procurement recruitment agency, go to https://talentdrive.co.uk/
You should also try to include some quantified data for your key achievements – this can help reinforce the impact and strength of your statements, and will prove more persuasive than just saying ’highly motivated and committed team leader’. Try to think of examples of times you increased revenue, improved processes or delivered excellent service – these are all ways you can demonstrate your value. Don’t forget to include some soft skills, too – for example, if you are a highly effective communicator and motivator this can be a really powerful attribute.
Hiring managers can receive hundreds of applications for every open role, so it is important to stand out from the crowd and sell yourself effectively on your CV. This will be especially important for any roles that you are applying for at higher levels, as the more senior the position is the more likely it is that your application will be reviewed by a management team.
If you’re not careful, it can be easy to get bogged down in unnecessary details on your CV that detract from the overall marketing message. For example, you don’t need to go into detail about the reasons why you left your previous jobs, and if they aren’t directly relevant to the role you are applying for then it’s best to leave them out altogether. Similarly, it’s often best to limit the amount of education information you include, focusing instead on your highest level of qualifications and recent training courses.
Don’t use cliched words on your CV. These can be off-putting and sound false, such as ‘self-motivated’ and ‘qualified’. Use more powerful words that demonstrate your motivation and capability, such as ‘delivered’, ‘achieved’..
Don’t oversell yourself on your CV – this will come across as fake and will not be beneficial to you in the long run. However, it is equally important to avoid underselling yourself – if you do so then you will not be seen as a credible and capable candidate for the role.