So you´ve decided that you want to see what else is out there, or you´ve been pushed into a situation whereby you have to look for a new job. It´s already a frightening time (especially if your job search is out of necessity rather than desire), but there are ways to make job searching not only easier and less stressful, but a million times more fruitful. We´ve all heard the horror stories of people who have sent out thousands of resumes, only to not hear anything back from any of them.
Now, I know the job market is tough, but if that´s the case for you then you need to look at why, and that´s what we´re here to help with. We already spoke to our HR specialist about what they´re looking for, so lets get into how you can apply this to your job search.
Writing a CV is no easy task (there´s a reason why CV writing companies do so well), but it can be made so much easier by following a few basic rules.
Why Your CV Matters
Before we get into the details, let´s think about why your CV matters so much. It is your first impression and, especially as an EA, the first opportunity to show off your skills. Part of your job role will always include attention to detail, ability to use software like Word and generate PDFs. If your CV has typos, isn´t correctly formatted or can´t be opened, you´re out of the running before you´ve even begun.
I´m sure that more than one of you have, within your roles, been asked to look through job applications and find some people to call in for an interview. I know I certainly have, and there were three things that would instantly put me off, so much so that they would go straight into the reject pile without, if I´m honest, me actually giving them too much attention. So to avoid your application going into the digital bin, make sure you follow these tips.
The Step-by-Step Guide to CV Perfection
Ready to create a CV that'll make you stand out? Here's your step-by-step action plan:
The Power of Personalization:
Before you even start writing, carefully read the job description. Highlight the key skills and qualifications the company is looking for. Look for keywords they´ve used in their job advertisement and integrate them into your application.
Tailor your CV to each job you apply for. Don't just send out a generic CV – show them you've done your homework.
Format Matters:
Keep it concise: Aim for one to two pages maximum. I will not read a 6 page resume, and I can almost guarantee you no one else will either. If they want more detail about exactly what you did in each role, they´ll ask you at the interview stage.
Choose a clean, professional font: Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman are good choices. You´re not 15 years old- avoid anything you think is pretty or cute. Yes, it will make you stand out, but not in the way you want.
Use white space: Make your CV easy to read with clear headings and bullet points.
Reverse chronological order: List your most recent experience first. Your most recent experience is likely to be the most relevant skillswise, so make sure it´s the first thing they´re reading about.
Key Sections:
Contact Information: Name, email, phone number (make sure it's professional!), and LinkedIn profile (optional). I know it can be tempting to stick with the email address you first created in school, but maybe now is the time to get a new username that reflects your age and experience. Shinysparkles81@gmail.com does not give the impression that she should be the business partner to a VP!
Summary/Profile: A brief overview of your experience, key skills, and career goals. This is your elevator pitch – make it count!
Experience: Focus on your most relevant roles. Use action verbs to describe your achievements (e.g., "Managed complex calendars," " Coordinated international travel," "Implemented systems to improve office efficiency").
Skills: List both hard skills (software proficiency, project management) and soft skills (communication, problem-solving).
Education: Include degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework. But make sure it is relevant! Let´s be honest, no one in a professional setting cares about your ability to play grade 3 piano.
Keywords Are Your Friend:
Sprinkle relevant keywords from the job description throughout your CV. This helps hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS) find you.
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!
Typos and grammar errors are a big no-no. Have a friend or colleague review your CV. You know better than anyone how easy it is to miss something, especially when you´ve been working it and reworking it, so get a fresh set of eyes to have a look.
The Cover Letter: Your Chance to Shine
Think of your cover letter as your CV's best friend. It's where you get to showcase your personality, passion, and why you're the perfect fit for the role.
Address the hiring manager by name if possible.
Explain why you're interested in the company and the role.
Highlight specific accomplishments that align with the job requirements.
Keep it brief and engaging.
So now that you have your basic CV ready to go, there are a few tweaks that you can make to apply for each individual role. The way they have worded their job description will give you a decent idea of the type of corporate culture they have, so make sure your application mirrors theirs. The easiest way to do this, and a real time saver, is to use the power of AI to help you along. Simply paste the job description into your favoured tool (ChatGPT, Gemini etc), upload your CV, and ask the AI to tailor it to apply for that job role. You´ll obviously have to check it, but it can save you hours of time.
I know it can seem like a real pain to have to redo your resume and application, especially gearing it for each role, but trust me, if you put the work in now, you´ll be in a new role in no time!
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