What feels like hundreds of years ago, we typed and printed our CV, put it an envelope with a cover letter and hoped for a phone call inviting us to an interview. 

The world has obviously changed and now the first touch point for our CV is often an ATS (Applicant Tracking System).  Used by big companies and small, this 'system' is the new gate-keeper and decides whether your CV should be reviewed by a human being.  And by the way, the human being will only spend between 5 and 10 seconds reading it. 

We know how frustrating applicants find this process, but the bad news is that it's here to stay.  So below are 20 tips on how to produce a killer CV, which with a bit of good fortune, will result in "computer says yes".   

1. Customise your CV for each position you apply for, ensuring your skills and experience align with the job description.
2. Choose a simple, clean design with ample white space. Use professional fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, and keep the font size between 10 and 12 points.
3. Write a strong summary at the top of your resume that highlights your key qualifications and career objectives, tailored to the specific job.
4. Emphasise your most relevant work experience and achievements, using bullet points for clarity.
5. Use numbers to quantify your achievements, for example, "Increased sales by 20% in six months" or "Managed a team of ten accountants."
6. Include a skills section that lists relevant skills, particularly those mentioned in the job description. Be specific about technical and soft skills.
7. List your educational background and any relevant certifications or training. Include the name of the institution, degree obtained, and graduation year.
8. Start each bullet point with a strong action verb such as "developed," "led," "implemented," or "achieved" to make your accomplishments sound more dynamic.
9. Keep your CV concise and to the point. Aim for one page if you have less than ten years of experience, and no more than two pages if you have more.
10. Avoid Jargon and Acronyms: Unless industry-specific terms are necessary, avoid jargon and acronyms that might not be understood by all readers, including recruiters and ATS (Applicant Tracking System)
11. Spelling and grammatical errors can hurt your chances. Proof-read your CV multiple times and consider asking a friend or mentor to review it as well.
12. Demonstrate your career growth by showing promotions, increased responsibilities, and significant projects over time.
13. Incorporate keywords from the job description to help your resume get past ATS and highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
14. If applicable, include a link to a LinkedIn profile, or other professional websites that showcase your work.
15. Be truthful about your skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Misrepresenting yourself can lead to serious consequences and damage your professional reputation.
16. Use a professional email address, ideally a variation of your name. Avoid using nicknames or personal addresses that might appear unprofessional.
17. If space allows, include hobbies and interests that are relevant to the job or demonstrate valuable skills, such as leadership or teamwork.
18. Ensure consistent formatting throughout your resume, including font style, size, and bullet points. This makes your resume look polished and professional.
19. Always include a cover letter with your resume. It provides an opportunity to explain why you are the best fit for the job and to elaborate on your most relevant experiences.
20. Regularly update your resume with new skills, experiences, and achievements. This ensures you are always ready to apply for new opportunities as they arise.

The aim of your CV is to secure a conversation with someone at the company.  A discussion in which you can establish whether you have the relevant skills and whether the opportunity is of interest to you. 

Please reach out if you wish to discuss your search.