In a world of online job hunting, it can be difficult to not only get your CV to stand out from the crowd but also make sure it reflects you and your personality. The current job market is highly competitive, especially for undergraduates, but to make your mark potential employers want to see why they should be offering you an interview.

Detailing your qualifications and previous employment history, any affiliations and volunteering, is a must on a CV. While this tells your potential employer what you are capable of, it doesn’t tell them about you. They want to get a good impression about your character and personality, your interests and work ethic, to understand if you are a good match for them. But how do you communicate that through a CV?

Three top tips to inject personality into your CV

According to a study by Ladders Inc, recruiters spend an average of 7.4 seconds looking at a CV. So, you have very little time to make that all-important impression. But the good news is that there are simple ways you can add your character to your CV and keep it professional. Here are our top tips to help you get started.

1.     Be strategic with your format and language choices

From an employer’s point of view, they want to see that your CV is clean – but this doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Yes, use your profile to show off your character and work ethic but create a balance of professionalism and conversation to give them an insight into you. Although bullet points make your CV easy to read, they lack personality so use creative language, such as collaborative instead of teambuilder. Add a splash of colour to express your character but avoid anything abrasive, loud or just plain silly, like ‘Barbie’ pinks and highlighter yellows. Go with modern blues and reds to keep it professional and sophisticated.

2.     Appeal to your potential employer

It is essential to adjust your CV for each job you apply for, making sure you tailor it to the job description and the company with the vacancy. Using words from their job description demonstrates to the employer you have read the job requirements. But keep the focus on displaying yourself in a simple way that represents who you are.

3.     Avoid unnecessary details

Don’t waffle or over explain. Space is limited and unnecessary details often dilute your character and personality. Don’t use photographs as they’ll divert the employer’s attention and waste vital space that could be used for better content or more productive details. Don’t include your social media links, with the exception of LinkedIn but only if your profile has relevant information to you and your skills. Always consider the position you are applying for and how your personality, skills, achievement and experience relates to it.

Auxato is a leading UK executive search and recruitment consultancy and we know the ins and outs of a great CV. Need guidance in creating a CV that sets the world alight and gets you your ideal marketing, communications or public relations job? Get in touch with us today. View our latest jobs page, too.