We know how important it is to have a CV that stands out from the crowd. Whether you’re working in insurance, claims, legal, or customer contact roles, these top 5 tips will help you make the most of your CV.
1. Tailor Your CV to Each Job
Why It Matters
One-size-fits-all CVs rarely catch the eye of recruiters or hiring managers. Tailoring your CV to each specific job shows you’ve done your homework and are serious about the role.
How to Do It
Carefully read the job description and match your skills and experiences accordingly. Use the same keywords that appear in the job ad; it helps your CV get noticed by both hiring managers and those pesky applicant tracking systems (ATS).
2. Start Your CV with a Strong Personal Statement
Why It Matters
Your personal statement is your elevator pitch. It’s the first thing recruiters read, so make it count.
How to Do It
Summarise who you are, what you’ve done, and what you’re looking for in a few compelling sentences. Keep it concise and to the point, but don’t be afraid to show a bit of personality.
Example: “Experienced Claims Adjuster with 5 years in the insurance sector. Seeking to leverage my analytical skills and customer service expertise at [Company Name] to effectively manage and resolve claims.”
3. Highlight Achievements on Your CV, Not Just Duties
Why It Matters
Recruiters want to see the impact you’ve made, not just your job responsibilities. Highlighting achievements makes you stand out.
How to Do It
Use bullet points to list your accomplishments in each role. Start with strong action verbs and include metrics whenever possible.
Example: “Successfully resolved 95% of claims within a 30-day period, exceeding the company’s target by 10%.”
4. Keep It Clean and Easy to Read
Why It Matters
A well-organised CV is easier for recruiters to scan quickly. They usually spend just a few seconds on an initial look, so clarity is key.
How to Do It
Use a clean, professional font like Arial or Calibri and stick to a font size of 10-12 points. Use clear headings and bullet points, and keep your CV to 2 pages if you can.
5. Proofread Your CV, Then Proofread Again
Why It Matters
Spelling and grammatical errors can leave a bad impression. A polished CV shows attention to detail.
How to Do It
After writing your CV, take a break and then review it with fresh eyes. Use tools like Grammarly, and ask a friend or family member to give it a final look.
By following these top 5 tips, you’ll create a CV that really showcases your strengths and makes a strong impression. Focus on tailoring your CV, writing a compelling personal statement, highlighting your achievements, keeping it clean, and proofreading carefully.
Good luck! And remember, we’re here to help you every step of the way. For more job-seeking tips and amazing opportunities, visit us at MPJ Recruitment.
