Mastering the Art of Crafting the Perfect CV
Your CV plays a vital role in grabbing the attention of employers. A compelling and concise CV is essential to making a great first impression. In this guide, we'll explore the best practices specific to New Zealand to ensure your CV stands out among the rest.
Let's get started on your path to success!
Every good CV includes the following key components:
- Contact details
- Personal statement or objective
- Work experience
- Qualifications
- Technical skills
- Community and volunteer experience
- Referees.
Contact Details
Example:
Contact Details
Full Name: John Doe
Phone: 021-123-4567
Email: johndoe@email.com
Personal Statement and Objectives
Consider the personal statement and objectives section as your CV’s elevator pitch. Craft a concise summary tailored to the job you’re applying for, highlighting your expertise, unique strengths, technical & soft skills, and industry-specific selling points. Aim for 80-150 words to make it impactful and compelling.
Example: "I am a digital marketing specialist passionate about creating online success stories. With five years of experience in the dynamic world of digital marketing, I've strengthened my skills in executing impactful campaigns and delivering measurable results.
I thrive in creating a cohesive online presence that engages audiences and drives conversions. My expertise spans across SEO, social media marketing, content creation, email marketing and PPC advertising. I also possess exceptional communication and collaborative skills, which allow me to effectively work with cross-functional teams, build strong client relationships, and adapt to ever-changing industry trends.
Get in touch if you're looking for a digital marketing specialist who combines technical expertise with a creative mindset."
Work History
While detailing your work history, emphasise the company name, job title, and employment dates. Arrange your job titles chronologically, starting with the most recent position. Remember, you don't have to include every single job. Focus on the most relevant experiences. If your CV gets scanned through technology software, ensure you don't miss out by including keywords from the job advertisement on your CV.
Example:
Work History
Digital Marketing Specialist,
ABC Company, Auckland
April 2019 - Present
- Successfully led a cross-functional team in implementing a comprehensive SEO strategy, resulting in a remarkable 40% increase in organic website traffic within six months.
- Developed and executed impactful social media campaigns, resulting in a 25% growth in follower engagement and a 15% increase in conversion rates.
Skills
Highlight the skills relevant to the job you're applying for. Make sure to align your skills with those mentioned in the job advertisement. Avoid just listing the skills. Instead, provide concrete examples that demonstrate in which setting the activity was carried out and what happened.
Example:
Digital Marketing: Proficient in Google Analytics, SEO optimisation and social media advertising platforms (Facebook Ads, LinkedIn Campaign Manager).
Technical Skills
In this section, mention any languages you speak and computer programs or software you are proficient in.
Example:
Languages- fluent in English and Spanish
Computer Skills: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe Creative Suite.
Education/ Qualifications
List your educational background in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent qualification at the top. Keep the details concise and clear.
Example:
Education/Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree in Commerce
University of Otago
2020-2023.
A driver's licence is a form of qualification depending on the type of job you are applying for. Include it in this section.
Achievements
If you have important achievements not mentioned in the skills or work history sections, showcase them here. Include awards, commendations, completed projects, or significant contributions to the community.
Example:
Achievements
Received the Outstanding Marketing Award for developing and executing an innovative influencer marketing campaign, resulting in a 20% increase in brand awareness and a 15% boost in sales.
References
You can list referees directly or include the statement "references available upon request", which is becoming more standard in CV. Your chosen reference should be an individual you've recently worked with.
Following these CV best practices tailored to the New Zealand job market will significantly enhance your chances of landing a job interview. Remember to keep your CV concise, keyword-rich, and tailored to each application.
Good luck with your job search!