Maximizing the Impact of Your CV
As you work toward your New Year’s resolutions, one common goal may be landing a new job. This year, with around 75% of people planning to start job hunting, the competition is going to be fierce.
How to Make Your CV Stand Out
In such a competitive environment, how can you ensure your CV grabs attention? The answer lies in showcasing your skills in a way that really connects with potential employers.
More and more, employers are focusing on the skills you bring and the impact you can make, rather than just looking at your past job titles. As Janelle Gale, Facebook’s Vice President of Human Resources, explains, having the right skills is crucial in today’s job market.
Leveraging Technology on Your CV
While there was a lot of talk in 2018 about robots taking over jobs, the reality is that technology, especially AI, is expected to create more jobs than it disrupts. It’s important to view technology as a tool that can help you succeed, rather than as competition. In her TED Talk, technology mentor Nadjia Yousif highlights how working alongside technology is now essential for professional growth.
According to PwC, 78% of CEOs see AI skills as a top asset for their companies. LinkedIn also reports a growing demand for hard skills like cloud computing, AI, analytical reasoning, people management, and UX design. No matter your field, being able to integrate technology into your work is becoming a highly valued skill. Be sure to highlight your tech knowledge on your CV—whether that’s data literacy, analytical abilities, or simply how you use tech effectively. You might have more expertise in this area than you think.
If you feel like your tech skills need some work, don’t worry. You can find plenty of opportunities to improve, whether through training at work or learning on your own. There are many free online resources to help you build up your tech know-how.
Showcasing Your Soft Skills
While hard skills are important and always evolving, soft skills are just as crucial. LinkedIn Editor Dan Roth points out that soft skills are key to making career transitions and moving up the ladder. In fact, over 57% of senior leaders say soft skills are more important than hard skills.
Over the next few months, focus on building these essential soft skills and make sure they’re reflected in your CV’s skills and employment sections.
Creativity is the most sought-after soft skill, according to LinkedIn. Employers need fresh ideas and creative solutions, not just improvements on what’s already there. Highlight times when you led successful projects, and be ready to talk about them in interviews to show off your creativity.
Staying creative requires constant learning and staying up to date with industry trends. Be curious, keep an eye on changes in your field, and share your insights with your team and professional networks. You can build your knowledge base by engaging with webinars, podcasts, TED Talks, industry articles, and competitor analysis. This foundation will help you suggest new ideas that set you apart from the rest.
As the philosopher Heraclitus once said, “The only constant is change.” That’s especially true in today’s workplaces, where technology and processes are always evolving. Think about times you’ve successfully adapted to change, and be sure to include those examples in your CV so you’re ready to discuss them in interviews.
Communication is another crucial soft skill, especially verbal communication. Despite all the advancements in technology, clear communication is still key to building strong relationships and boosting productivity. Our CEO, Alistair Cox, emphasizes how important verbal communication is in today’s workplaces. Make sure to highlight your public speaking, collaboration, and negotiation skills on your CV. Then, demonstrate those skills during interviews, whether in person or virtually.
Commit to Lifelong Learning
As people are expected to work into their 70s or 80s, committing to lifelong learning is more important than ever. This means constantly updating both your hard and soft skills. One common mistake people make is forgetting to update their CVs and LinkedIn profiles with new skills. Be sure to add any new skills as soon as you gain them and use relevant keywords to ensure you get through automated screenings.
The takeaway here is simple: human skills are more valuable than ever in today’s job market. As you fine-tune your CV, focus on showcasing both the hard and soft skills that will help you stay relevant in a world shaped by ever-changing technology, adaptability, and the demand for delivering real value.
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