Updating your CV

When updating your CV....

If you're thinking "I want to Jazz up my CV to stand out from the crowd…maybe I can tell small white lies or embellish my cv?"

Then the short answer is definitely not! But you do really need to highlight the pieces of work and experience that you have genuinely done that matter and pay attention to whether you led, designed or assisted with a project or a piece of work and explain that. What skills or experience did you gain from a particular role, assignment or project?

A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself “would my colleagues and team mates at x company agree with these statements” remember that they may also be called on as references at some point. You will also be asked in detail about each experience on your cv during an interview, so you will need to know and be expected to know those skills inside out.

Well ok then, how do I add to my CV?

The best thing to do is actively put your hand up to take on more tasks and learn from those with more experience and mentors, you may even need to make some sacrifices or work extra hard to get there. You could also consider voluntary work or contract work, or study that may add more technical aspects and experience  to your CV. Working towards a qualification e.g. CPA, also really shows commitment, understanding and progression.

I feel like I have high attention to detail, I'm a great team player and am a very fast learner as well, can I just add these phrases to the top of my cv and they’ll get it.... right?

Whilst those are good attributes to have, the CVs that really stand out will tie these skills to specific projects, examples and outcomes. e.g.  “I led a project that resulted in x cost and time savings, later, I was promoted to another project based on my problem solving skills and team work”. So, the skills need to show articulation and be earnt through experience, not just listed in parrot fashion. It also helps them stand out if they are presented as "achievements" at a particular company which will show you went "above and beyond" expectations and truly "added value".

I can just re-write my CV using AI to make it stand out though right?

As a general rule, always write your experience yourself (don't ask AI to write your experience as it may be incorrect or misleading ) it makes sense to check the layout of your CV with AI, but be careful not to make it look fake or overly AI polished. Make sure you come across as professional and polished but also authentic.

What else can I add?

Interesting hobbies, projects, achievements and languages etc show that you can think outside the box, have a breadth of character and are happy and balanced which are all very positive attributes to have.

Feel free to share tips!

Note: The photo of the driver caught with a dummy trying to get through the passenger lane was featured in the NZ Herald and is a good example of what not to do!