High school graduate résumé template (alternative version)

What does an employer look for in a CV? 

A successful and professional CV will stand out from the rest for many different reasons, and although each employer is looking for a different set of qualifications and skills, the foundation of what they search for is equal across the board.

Here are a few great examples of what an employer looks for in a CV…

Presentation, style and structure 

How your CV attracts the eye is the first important point to consider. Remember, your first impression isn’t in the interview as your CV is the first contact that’s made which represents and showcases you.

A well presented and professionally structured CV is an absolute must, because if it isn’t you may find your CV doesn’t get read for very long. Even if the employer isn’t put off from reading all of it you have instantly created a sloppy first impression.

Has your CV been organised in a typical professional manner? Is it easy to read using bullet points where applicable to separate important information? Is your CV efficient and focused on the role? Are there too many clichés? Is your CV completely 100% free of spelling and grammatical errors?

How relevant is your CV to the role/industry? 

Not only does your CV need to be tailored to the role you are applying for, but it also needs to be focused on this role as well, ensuring that any irrelevant information is either taken out or pushed to the back. If you have an extensive amount of work history dating back many years, you may need to consider if it’s too much irrelevant information and merely padding out your CV.

Sure, you don’t want gaps in your employment, but you might not need to go back so far or include many details about these past roles if they have no relevance or bearing on the new role you are applying for.

Work history also requires results and achievements 

If you simply list your main tasks and responsibilities for your past roles, then you are not giving enough information to the employer to show them you are the best person for the job. An employer is looking for dynamic individuals that go outside of the box, and have a proven track record when it comes to success.

Think about how many other people will be applying for the role that has the same if not more experience, skills and qualifications than you – so how are you going to stand out from the crowd?

Nowadays employers are also looking for results and achievements in past roles to see how you faired in those roles. Don’t be afraid to state that you changed or added a new process or system that improved productivity or customer experience. An employer doesn’t want to see a plodder, and someone who just completes the task as presented to them. Sure, you need to be good at your job and it’s important to get the basics right, but a ‘dynamic outside of the box thinker’ is someone that doesn’t just do what’s asked of them, and is someone who strives to make improvements which benefit results and impact efficiency, as well as benefit the company and the customer.

Any example of where you achieved this in a role should be stated on your CV – but make sure you keep it concise and to the point. Actual numbers and results should also be included. For example, ‘I sold 23 cars in the month of September’.