"Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement scalable software solutions." "Utilized agile methodologies to drive the development lifecycle and ensure timely project delivery."
When was the last time you actually read your CV out loud?
And since when did CVs become so clinical, so robotic? For something that's the primary means for any job seeker to display their true value as a colleague, team member, and all-round stellar human that any company should hire, CVs these days have a whole lot of corporate jargon.
And if it sounds like a bot wrote those task descriptions, well,
one did (thanks, ChatGPT).
These days we're thinking a lot about what makes us human, unique, exceptional (possibly better than ChatGPT, right?). And CVs are a great place to start since they're our professional (digital) representations of who we are when we show up to work.
So how can you add the sparkle, the spice, the magic touch of YOU to your CV?
Well, that's all in this edition of News:LTR.
A bit of history 📚
In order to understand how on earth we got here (the era of the corporate robot CV), we should understand where we came from. Enter: the history of the CV.
The CV has been around for a long time, but that doesn't mean it's stayed the same. So what did we learn from this article?
Modern technology (think 1980s onwards) changed the format and how we receive CVs.
The birth of the internet
boosted the volume of CVs sent to any one job as more people were able to see positions and apply for them (hello, competition 👋).
A CV alone might have been good enough for our friend Leonardo DaVinci to land the job, but it's not enough today. You'll need to back your experience on paper with demonstrable skills.
What does this all mean for you as you embark on a mission to create the best CV out there?
Your CV is the strongest tool you have to help you land an interview. Remember to focus on real skills with real value-added to the organization you're applying to.
The landscape is competitive. Recruiters and hiring managers may be overwhelmed with the number of CVs they receive. Make yours easy to read, concise, and specific to the role. It should be easy for them to say, "This is exactly who we're looking for!"
Organizations are using tech to filter CVs. Make sure you include core keywords from the job to make sure your CV passes. (Psst, you might even think to use exactly the same phrases or skills in the job description 😉).
Resumes and CVs will be around for a while still— for better, or worse. So make sure yours is keeping up with today's standards.
Resources to power up your CV 🔌
Alright, so where to start if you want to add some personality and flare to your CV? We've got the resource list for you. Check it out. 👇
🎥 This TED talk will change the way you view and approach CV writing forever. Well worth the 13 min.
🧠 Creative CVs are not for every role, but if you're looking to transition to a creative role OR you are a creative, here's a little source of inspiration for you.
✅ ❌ If you're a relative CV newbie, there are a few do's and don'ts to master. Skim through this article to make sure you don't make any of these mistakes and that you take advantage of some of the tips.
🤔 Did you know that there are different kinds of resumes? Yup. Use this article to understand the differences and when to use each kind of CV. You never know, it could be the difference between landing an interview or an endless scroll on job boards.
✨ If you're sending out the same CV to every role, you need to read this compelling argument on why you need to be customizing. Yes, it's more work. But there are a few shortcuts you can use.
Quiz time ⚡️
Let's see where we are as a growing community when it comes to CVs. We'll share the results in the next edition of News:LTR in July.
Think of your CV as your personal storyteller, narrating your journey and showcasing your unique strengths. It's worth every bit of time and effort to master it because it's the key that unlocks doors to incredible opportunities.
And here's a little secret: It's not about creating the perfect CV; it's about the process of self-discovery and growth. Embrace the journey of crafting your CV, and with each iteration, you'll gain clarity about who you are, what you value, and what you bring to the table.
Believe in your worth and the incredible potential you hold. Remember, you are unique, and your CV is a testament to the amazing
person you are becoming.
