Write a targeted CV and a job application that highlight your value
Your value is emphasised when you target your CV and job application. Highlight what is most important, make it easy to read and show how you are a match for the company's needs.
The CV and job application play a key role in most job hunting processes. They are often where the reader first encounters your professional skills and your way of thinking in relation to a specific position.
Therefore, it makes sense to consider the CV and job application alike as targeted documents whose content is tailored to the recipient.
A tailored CV: important points of attention
A CV is not a full account of your entire work history. It's an outline of the elements of your experience relevant to the job you are applying for.
Many choose to begin their CV with a brief, targeted introduction comprising their motivation, skills areas and key competences relevant to the position. That provides the reader with a sense of which significant elements to pay attention to.
Subsequently, relevant experience may be displayed in reverse chronological order, focusing on responsibilities, assignments and results matching the job.
Why you should focus on readability
Often, only certain parts of the CV are read and not the entire document.
Therefore, layout matters. A simple and consistent layout enables readers to swiftly get an idea of the contents and find the information that is relevant to them.
Clear headlines, a uniform structure and space between sections help create an overview and make your CV more readable.
How to make your job application focused
Where the CV provides an outline, the job application allows you to be more specific with respect to the job role and the company's needs.
This is where you demonstrate your understanding of the job and how you would approach certain tasks.
To many, it makes sense to think of the application as a type of mini case, in which you provide an account of a specific issue and offer the company your professional approach.
Past experience and documented results may be used as supporting evidence. These should not be reeled off but constitute examples of your judgement, sense of responsibility and ability to create value in practice.
Where AI may be useful for exchanging views and ideas
AI may be useful as support when you are working on your CV and job application.
Many find AI helpful in:
- clarifying wording
- identifying relevant results
- staying focused on what's most important in relation to the position
NB: Be critical of AI output. Make sure that the content reflects the facts and your personal style.
Webinar:
The job-winning CV and application (Danish webinar)
Do you want to write a CV and application that will be read and remembered? Career advisor Robert Fabrin shows concrete examples of how you can demonstrate professionalism and motivation in your CV and application.
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