Job seeking in 2017? Here's how to create the perfect CV

Unemployment is one of the biggest challenges in South Africa, and many of those who were employed are now finding themselves facing retrenchment.

So whether you have lost your job or are looking for a new job in the new year, one of the first steps that needs to be done is creating a good Curriculum Vitae that will make you stand out from the rest. However, we understand that ensuring that your CV stands out can be a challenge, especially if you have no idea what it is that recruiters are really looking for. Have a look at the seven points below that can make your CV stand out from the rest:

Highlight your strengths and stick to what is relevant

One of the things that can put recruiters off is a lengthy CV that has little detail related to the position they have advertised. Not everything you did in your previous job is important for the role you are applying for. For instance, if you used to make tea for your manager, but it had nothing to do with your job or the job you are applying for, do not include it on your CV. Rather tailor your CV according to the position you are applying for, and stick to your strengths and what is relevant to the job at hand.

Also read: Pali Lehohla: 93 000 jobs created in third quarter of 2016

Be creative

How you present yourself using words is very important and putting an effort in choosing the right words can really make your CV stand out from the rest. A number of people describe themselves using words like "hard worker", but if you want to make your CV stand out, you have to make sure you select your words carefully. Instead of saying you are a hard worker, you can rather let the recruiter know that you meet deadlines and you always deliver what is expected from you.

Keep it short

Companies receive hundreds and sometimes thousands of applications, so keeping your CV short will work to your advantage. According to Christina Phiri, a consultant who works at a recruitment company, there's no standard when it comes to how long your CV should be. However, anything that is not relevant to the post that can be left out, should be left out. "You find sometimes people put certificates they received when they were in primary school or high school that have nothing to do with the job they are applying for. As consultants, that is what puts us off on CVs. Just stick to what is relevant," she said.

Keep it professional

Keep your CV professional and do not use slang, because you never know who is going to read your CV and what kind of person they are. They may not be familiar with the language you are using and they may not even have a sense of humour. So rather be safe and stick to what is considered professional. Also avoid using abbreviations, as the person reading might not be familiar with the terms.

Do not put your sexy picture on the cover

Although it is the "in thing" to put pictures on CVs; unless you are applying for a job as a model or the recruiter has asked for your photo, do not include it. You do not want to ruin your chances by using pictures that can put others off. "One of the applications I received, the person applying had an image of themselves in the bathroom. You could see their shoulders and that they had no top on. The towel was also showing in the background. That picture really put me off," said Christina. So unless it is really a must for you to put your photo on the cover, do not do it. Allow the recruiter to make judgement based on your capabilities than your looks.

Make it easy for the recruiter

Make sure the recruiter can find all the information that is needed. Your contact number, ID number, qualifications, and references should be included in your CV. Also look at the job spec and include anything that you did that is listed in the job spec and requirements.

Double check

It is very easy to make mistakes if you are writing the CV yourself. However, double checking or getting someone else to have a look at your CV can really help in case you made a mistake. So allow someone else who you know is good at editing to have a look at your CV and make changes if necessary.